Re: Controlling the number of users in the database

In message <1101180391.128717_at_yasure>, DA Morgan <damorgan_at_x.washington.edu> writes
>DanO wrote:
>
>> I have been tasked with finding a way to control (limit) the number of
>> users that log into the Oracle database while using our proprietary
>> application product. For example, a client may buy our product and
>> purchase a 100 user license. We need a way to prevent the 101st user
>> from logging into the database.
>> I know about the init.ora params (sessions, processes, and
>> license_max_sessions), but these can be changed by a DBA. Plus these
>> can be misleading as one connection can spawn several processes.
>> Does anyone know of a product or a method whereby I can record a
>>user
>> logging onto the database and add to a counter (and do the opposite
>> for logoff)? I'm sure a home-written solution could be created using
>> event triggers, etc. but I'm hoping not to re-invent the wheel if
>> somebody knows of a system, method, or little know parameter that can
>> work.
>> Thanks,
>> Dan
>
>I can't imagine anyone buying your product.
>
>We purchase our operating systems flat fee basis. We don't pay extra
>when more people log into Linux, or Solaris or HP/UX or AIX. We pay a
>per CPU price for Oracle. We don't pay more depending on the number
>of connected users. And the same model goes for all of our other
>software. What makes you think we want to deal with a company that
>tries to create its own personal pricing model: Certainly I would
>never recommend anyone go along with such a plan.

You need to get out more. I can't think of any piece of software I have been involved in installing/maintaining which is not licensed on a per user basis. And I don't mean desktop apps; I am talking about serious business software from both major and minor vendors.

If you are a big enough customer you can probably negotiate a site or enterprise license which frees you from bothering about how many users are using a given database or server, but the underlying licensing model is still per user. This isn't available to all customers. It also isn't appropriate to all types of software. Some software is too specialised and is only likely to be used by a small number of people in a company.

And you forgot to berate the OP for not stating which oracle version.

-- 
Jim Smith
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