Using Oracle Software from AWS Marketplace AMIs: Licensing Explained
AWS Marketplace provides Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) pre-installed with Oracle software such as Oracle Database or WebLogic Server. These AMIs offer convenience, but it’s crucial to clearly understand how licensing works.
Below, we clarify licensing rules, usage terms, and compliance guidelines for Oracle AMIs from AWS Marketplace.
Oracle AMIs on AWS Marketplace: An Overview
AWS Marketplace hosts Oracle software images primarily for convenience. These AMIs significantly reduce setup time by providing pre-installed Oracle software that is ready for deployment. However, it’s important to remember:
- Most Oracle AMIs on AWS Marketplace do not include Oracle licenses.
- They usually operate under a “Bring Your Own License” (BYOL) model unless explicitly stated otherwise.
AWS provides the software, but you must supply the Oracle license.
Read Oracle on AWS Licensing FAQs 4 of 4.
Bring Your Own License (BYOL) AMIs: How Licensing Works
Most Oracle AMIs on AWS Marketplace clearly state “BYOL” in their description. This means:
- AWS provides Oracle software that is pre-installed in an AMI.
- You’re required to already own valid Oracle licenses to legally use that software.
Example:
- Suppose you deploy the “Oracle Database 19c BYOL” AMI from AWS Marketplace.
- You save installation and configuration time because Oracle Database software is pre-installed.
- However, as soon as you launch the instance, you must allocate your own Oracle licenses based on the number of vCPUs (typically, 2 vCPUs = 1 Oracle Processor license).
- Without applying valid licenses, this instance would technically run but be non-compliant.
Using a BYOL AMI is no different from manually installing Oracle software. You must license each instance exactly as if you had installed Oracle yourself.
Developer and Trial Oracle AMIs on AWS Marketplace
Oracle sometimes provides special AMIs intended explicitly for development or testing purposes:
- These AMIs often include temporary or limited licenses indicated as “Developer” or “Trial.”
- Typically, these are free for non-production use, evaluation, or proof-of-concept (PoC).
- Production use usually requires purchasing full Oracle licenses.
Example scenario:
- Oracle Database Developer AMI might provide a 30-day free evaluation license.
- You can use this AMI legally for testing or development during this period.
- However, deploying into a production environment or extending beyond the trial period requires purchasing proper Oracle licenses.
Always carefully check the “Usage terms” listed in the AWS Marketplace description. Oracle’s standard trial or developer licenses are strictly limited to non-production environments or short-term evaluations.
Oracle WebLogic Server on AWS Marketplace
Oracle and AWS collaborated to provide certified WebLogic AMIs. However, these remain strictly BYOL:
- Before deployment, you must own Oracle WebLogic licenses (or a suite that includes WebLogic Server).
- Typically, WebLogic AMIs allow you to select an edition (Standard Edition or Enterprise Edition) upon initial boot.
- Your license entitlement must match the edition and instance size used.
Example clearly explained:
- You launch an Oracle WebLogic Server Enterprise Edition AMI on AWS.
- At startup, the AMI asks which edition (Enterprise or Standard) you wish to run.
- Choosing Enterprise Edition means your Oracle licenses must cover this specific version and the number of vCPUs in use (following Oracle’s licensing rules).
- If audited by Oracle, you must prove that your own licenses match this AMI’s edition and usage.
Again, the AMI simplifies deployment but does not grant licensing rights.
Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) AMIs
Oracle E-Business Suite generally does not have official AMIs directly listed as “EBS AMIs” on AWS Marketplace from Oracle or AWS:
- Oracle provides tools like Oracle EBS Cloud Manager to help deploy EBS on AWS, but it doesn’t provide direct EBS AMIs.
- However, third-party vendors sometimes publish AMIs claiming to include EBS software.
- You must exercise caution:
- Using third-party EBS AMIs still requires valid Oracle application licenses.
- Deploying EBS from these AMIs does not confer licensing rights automatically.
Practical advice:
- Always verify the legitimacy and licensing terms of any third-party EBS AMI clearly before using.
- Ensure you have existing, valid Oracle EBS licenses covering the deployment, regardless of AMI source.
Read Licensing Oracle on AWS Using Docker/Kubernetes Containers.
Oracle Support for AWS Marketplace AMIs
Using an AWS-provided Oracle AMI does not negatively affect Oracle support eligibility.
- Oracle treats marketplace AMIs identically to self-installed Oracle software, assuming proper licenses and support contracts are in place.
- If you encounter issues, Oracle support will assist you as long as:
- Your Oracle licenses and support contracts are valid and current.
- You are using versions supported by Oracle.
AWS Marketplace AMIs are typically official, certified, and up-to-date—especially if directly from Oracle or AWS—making them compliant with Oracle’s standard support requirements.
Example:
- Deploying Oracle Database 19c AMI from AWS Marketplace.
- You hold valid Oracle licenses with current support contracts.
- Encountering technical issues? Oracle support will help as if you manually installed Oracle Database software.
Read Running Oracle on VMware Cloud on AWS.
Best Practices: Oracle Licensing and AWS Marketplace AMIs
Follow these clear best practices when using Oracle software from AWS Marketplace AMIs to ensure compliance:
- Always Read AMI Usage Terms Carefully:
Verify whether an AMI is BYOL, trial, or developer-licensed. Understand your responsibilities. - Maintain Accurate Licensing Records:
Document precisely how each AMI deployment aligns with your existing Oracle license entitlement. Include vCPU counts, Oracle editions, and deployment dates. - Never Assume Marketplace AMIs Provide Licenses Automatically:
Unless explicitly stated, AMIs do not provide Oracle licenses. Always confirm this clearly from AMI descriptions. - Keep Oracle Support Contracts Current:
Check regularly to ensure that Oracle versions from Marketplace AMIs remain supported. Update software as needed to stay within Oracle’s supported versions.
Common Misunderstandings Clarified
Here are some misconceptions about AWS Marketplace AMIs for Oracle software:
- Misconception: “AWS Marketplace AMIs include Oracle licenses by default.”
Clarification: Most Marketplace AMIs explicitly require BYOL unless clearly stated otherwise. - Misconception: “Using Oracle AMIs on AWS Marketplace means licensing rules differ from standard Oracle rules.”
Clarification: Oracle’s standard licensing rules apply identically, regardless of AMI use. Licensing is your responsibility. - Misconception: “AMIs labeled ‘Developer’ or ‘Trial’ can be used indefinitely or in production.”
Clarification: These AMIs usually have clear restrictions—limited duration or non-production only. Always verify terms explicitly.
Conclusion: AMIs Offer Convenience, Not License Rights
Oracle AMIs on AWS Marketplace significantly simplify Oracle software deployment. However, these AMIs do not automatically grant license rights. Unless explicitly stated as including licenses, Marketplace AMIs follow a strict BYOL approach:
- You must always ensure you have proper Oracle licenses covering each deployment.
- Carefully review AWS Marketplace AMI descriptions and usage terms clearly to stay compliant.
- Maintain thorough documentation proving your licensing alignment.
By understanding this clearly, you can effectively leverage AWS Marketplace AMIs for Oracle software while remaining fully compliant with Oracle’s licensing rules.
