In this article we will be taking a look at the Oracle Database’s various editions and their main differences, both from a technical and a licensing perspective. Before we get into the details, let’s start off by understanding what a database is.
A database is a collection of data in electronic format which has been structured and organized to be used in a computer system. The main purpose of any database is to store and retrieve needed information in such a way that it makes using vast amounts of data easy and efficient. This is usually done through a Database Management System (DBMS), a piece of software that serves as the interface between the database and the users or other software programs that interact with the database.
Oracle Database, or as Oracle refer to it as “the world’s leading converged, multi model data management system” is a relational database management system developed by Oracle back in 1979. It has since been improved and marketed over the years under many editions and versions, each with different capabilities, features and prices. One important thing to note is that the Oracle database is a proprietary software, which requires a license to use.
On-premises editions:
Technical considerations: it is an edition limited on the memory and processing power it can use, that also only allows up to 11 GB of data to be stored.
Technical Considerations: it includes all the components and options (aside from the Real Application Clusters) that are available with the Enterprise Edition. The Personal Edition does not include any of the Management Packs. It is only available on Linux and Windows platforms.
Technical Considerations: The Standard Edition provides base functionalities for environments where Oracle Database Options and Management Packs are not needed. It is limited to allow use of a maximum of 16 CPU threads at any time.
Technical considerations: Oracle’s main product, provides all the features and components of the Oracle Database. Its capabilities can be improved by various Options and Management Packs.
Cloud Editions – in Cloud we add two more editions alongside the Standard and Enterprise Editions, and we have a consumption-based pricing in a virtualized infrastructure.
Included Packs: Data Masking and Subsetting Pack, Diagnostics Pack, Tuning Pack.
Oracle Database Enterprise Edition Extreme Performance – supplements the High Performance Edition with additional options:
Livingstone has been working with customers across the globe for years, helping them evaluate the Oracle license requirements and prevent non-compliance across vast, mixed environments, containing all kinds of Oracle products, including the various database editions and versions that exist.
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Doru Mihăilescu is a principal consultant at Livingstone. He has deep knowledge of Oracle having previously worked at Oracle as a global licensing and advisory lead.