Jul
24
We have quietly looked at the internet to evaluate the responses from Oracle users and clients in regard to its definition changes in October 2007, that effect the licensing scheme of Oracle’s entry-level databases: Standard Edition and Standard Edition One. And it seems that, except for a few sharp individuals, this change went un-noticed while we had expected a riot. You see, it’s a big deal. So big that we expect these versions of the Oracle Database to become obsolete. Here’s why.
Prior to October 2007, Oracle had the following wording in it’s Processor definition:
“When licensing Oracle programs with Standard Edition One or Standard Edition in the product name, a processor is counted equivalent to a socket”.
And, the Product Minimum specification is saying:
“Oracle Database Standard Edition can only be licensed on servers that have a maximum capacity of 4 sockets. Oracle Standard Edition One may only be licensed on servers that have a maximum capacity of 2 sockets.”
Since then, Oracle changed it’s Processor definition for clients purchasing Oracle Standard Edition and Standard Edition One. While the Product minimum requirement remained the same, the new Processor definition consists of the following: “When licensing Oracle programs with Standard Edition One or Standard Edition in the product name, a processor is counted equivalent to a socket. However, in the case of multi-chip modules, each chip in the multi-chip module is counted as one occupied socket.”
Now, nobody ever said that understanding licensing definitions is simple. But this is total insanity: both for Oracle, its partners and it’s clients.
1. At the time of writing, almost each Processor available is actually a multi-chip module. My pc at home is an Intel Core2 Quad that costs next to nothing at is a multi-chip module and consists out of 2 (dual core) chips. If I buy a new pc next year, it’s likely to have 4. Given the evolution of MCM’s, I bet you won’t find an entry-level server that meets the requirements of Standard Edition One in 12 months time. And, in 24 months you won’t be able to buy a server that meets the requirements of Standard Edition, as all servers will have more than 4 MCM’s. So, even if you buy the licenses from Oracle, you won’t be able to buy a server that meets the specifications.
2. Oracle has (again) outpriced itself when comparing it to Microsoft and MySQL… this will really count in the SME markets. The prices (have) doubled because of this already, and will double/triple/quadruple in the near future. For my Core2 Quad desktop I would already require to have 2 Processor licenses now: A few months ago it would have been only one.
3. Who on earth knows what if (and how many) Multi-Core Modules any given PC has? An article at Intel’s discussion forum shows that even the Product Marketing Manager at Intel doesn’t have a clue if a XEON processor consists out of Multi-Core modules or not. And, rightfully so. However, Oracle expects the medium-sized company to know all this sort of processor-manufacturing wording.
4. I bet that Oracle’s own staff does not have a clue what this new definition really means. Because if they do, this would mean that sales figures of Database Standard Edition One must have plummeted. Let’s wait for the next financial results in Q1, but I bet there’s no change. We are already expecting the first horror stories from customers that have been audited by Oracle, and found to be incompliant based on this change: Probably while the Oracle salesrep knew exactly what server would be used to implement the software in the first place.
Do you still own licenses in accordance with the ‘old’ definition? Make sure that you keep them in a safe place. Oracle Standard Edition and Standard Edition One are great products for SME organizations. For new clients, the implementation will be very expensive. However, soon this won’t be a problem anymore as no server can be purchased that meets the license requirements.
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Edit August 6th:
1. Oracle’s definitions in the Corporate pricelist (version June 16th 2008) include the multi-chip module wording.
2. Definitions listed on the Oracle Online Store do not include the multi-chip wording
2a) However, if you order on the Store, you will have to accept the electronic Oracle Licenses and Services Agreement: Your eventual contract. The wording in this contract inludes the multi-chip wording.
Are you confused? Join the club. This must be a mitake. If we hear anything new we will update this log accordingly.
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This work, is beschermd door de Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 Netherlands License.
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