Oracle has changed its software licensing policy on
multi-core processors to address criticism its existing scheme is
too expensive.
In the past Oracle stated that for the purpose of licensing,
users had to treat each core of a multi-core chip as a separate
processor. Industry experts warned this would deter users from
running Oracle software on low-cost hardware equipped with
multi-core processors.
The company has now said, "For the purpose of counting the
number of processors which require licensing, a multi-core chip
with "n" cores shall be determined by multiplying "n" cores by a
factor of 0.75. All fractions of a number are to be rounded up to
the next whole number."
Microsoft and Red Hat have been charging per system processor,
irrespective of the number of cores, while BEA said it planned to
charge 25% extra for the use of dual-core processors.
Ronan Miles, chairman of the UK Oracle User group, said, "I
think it is the right thing to do and shows that Oracle does adjust
its terms in conjunction with user experience." He said Oracle had
also responded to UKOUG concerns on licensing the database products
on laptops running client server applications so users only need
buy a single application server, rather than its previous 10-user
licence minimum.
* Oracle has released almost 50 patches to
address security vulnerabilities in its database, application
server, e-commerce and enterprise management products.
There are 12 Oracle database flaws and another 12 in application
server products. The Oracle E-Business suite of products has 17
flaws. There are others in Oracle's collaboration and management
products.
Oracle said the patches varied in seriousness according to the
privileges needed by potential attackers to compromise
systems.
Many of the patches are cumulative, so installing the latest
patch for a particular system will also protect users from
previously announced vulnerabilities.