Oracle Java Named User Plus Licensing
- Based on the number of users accessing Java-enabled devices.
- Requires licensing of all users with access, not active users.
- Shared devices must account for all potential users.
- Processor licensing is suggested for more than 10 users.
- Costs range from $1.25 to $2.50 per user monthly.
Oracle Java Named User Plus Licensing
From 2019 until January 2023, Oracle Java Named User Plus (NUP) licensing was a key component of its Java licensing strategy.
Despite recent changes to Oracle’s licensing structure, understanding the Named User Plus model remains critical for organizations managing legacy agreements or negotiating renewals.
This article provides a detailed overview of NUP licensing, including its calculations, implications, and practical examples for businesses.
What is Oracle Java Named User Plus Licensing?
Oracle Java Named User Plus licensing is based on the number of individual users accessing a device where Java is installed. Unlike licensing models tied to devices, NUP focuses on the users rather than the hardware itself. From 2019 to January 2023, this model coexisted with processor-based licensing, giving businesses flexibility in managing their Java deployments.
Transition in 2023
- In January 2023, Oracle introduced an employee-based licensing metric, replacing the Named User Plus and processor models.
- However, organizations can still negotiate NUP licenses in specific cases or renew existing agreements.
- Oracle often uses audits to encourage customers to transition to the new licensing model, making compliance critical for legacy agreements.
How Named User Plus Licensing is Calculated
Calculating Named User Plus licensing requires understanding how many individuals can access devices where Java is installed. This calculation can be complex, especially in environments with shared devices or virtualized systems.
Key Calculation Principles
- User Access Over Device Usage:
- Licensing is based on the number of individuals accessing a device, not the number of devices or active users.
- Example: A shared workstation with Java installed and 15 potential users requires 15 NUP licenses, even if only three users actively use Java.
- Shared Devices:
- Organizations must account for all users who can access Java on shared devices.
- A processor license may be more cost-effective if access cannot be limited or accurately counted.
- Virtual Environments:
- Java installed on virtual machines often necessitates processor-based licensing if accurate user counts are impractical.
- Example: A virtualized environment hosting Java across multiple clusters with shifting workloads may default to processor licensing for simplicity.
- Threshold for Processor Licensing:
- If more than 10 users require access, processor licensing is typically more economical.
Counting Scenarios
- Scenario 1: A single device with Java and 5 users requires 5 NUP licenses.
- Scenario 2: A shared server with Java accessed by 100 users across an organization would need 100 NUP licenses, but a processor license might be more cost-effective.
Cost of Named User Plus Licenses
Pricing for Java NUP licenses was tiered to incentivize volume purchases. Discounts were available for larger deployments, making the cost structure flexible for organizations of varying sizes.
Pricing Details
- Base Price: $2.50 per user per month.
- Discounted Pricing: Larger deployments reduced the cost to as low as $1.25 per user per month.
- Included Support: Unlike some licensing models, Java NUP licensing includes technical support fees in the subscription cost.
Example:
A company with 500 Java users paying $1.25 per user per month would incur a monthly cost of $625, covering both licensing and support.
Implications for Businesses
Advantages of Named User Plus Licensing
- User-Based Flexibility: Ideal for environments with limited users accessing Java-enabled devices.
- Lower Costs for Small Deployments: Cost-effective for organizations with fewer than 10 users per device.
- Included Support: Budgeting is simplified by bundling technical support into the subscription.
Challenges with Named User Plus Licensing
- Complex Calculations: Accurately counting users in shared or virtualized environments can be difficult.
- Scalability Issues: NUP licensing becomes less economical than processor licensing for deployments with high user counts.
- Oracle Audits: Businesses must maintain meticulous records to avoid compliance issues during audits.
FAQs on Oracle Java Named User Plus Licensing
What is Named User Plus licensing?
NUP licensing is based on the number of individuals accessing devices where Java is installed, not the devices themselves.
How is it calculated?
Count all users who have access to Java-installed devices. Consider processor licensing if user counts are impractical or exceed 10 per device.
Is Named User Plus licensing still available?
While Oracle transitioned to employee-based licensing in 2023, NUP licenses may still be available for renewals or specific negotiations.
What happens in shared environments?
All users with potential access to shared devices must be licensed, even if they do not actively use Java.
What is the cost of a Named User Plus license?
Pricing ranged from $2.50 to $1.25 per monthly user, with discounts for larger volumes.
Does NUP licensing include technical support?
Yes, support fees are bundled into the subscription cost.
How do virtual machines affect licensing?
Virtual environments often require processor licensing if user counts cannot be accurately tracked.
What are the alternatives to NUP licensing?
Processor licensing is an alternative for high-user environments, and Oracle’s employee-based metric applies to new agreements.
