Re: Controlling the number of users in the database

From: DA Morgan <damorgan_at_x.washington.edu>
Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 21:37:16 -0800
Message-ID: <1101188148.78895@yasure>

Richard Kuhler wrote:

> DA Morgan wrote:
>

>> 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.

>
> <snip>
>

>> 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. 

>
>
> Well, if it's good for operating systems, it must be the right answer
> for every piece of software on the planet. Case closed.
>

>> We pay a per CPU price for Oracle. We don't pay more depending on 

>
> > the number of connected users.
>
> Some people do. Lots of Oracle products have a named user licensing
> option (including all database flavors).

They are vanishingly few in the current market. And even though it is possible ... the option to license by CPU or site also exists.

>> And the same model goes for all of our other software.

>
> Well, if you say so I guess I have to believe you but that's surprising
> to me given how common user based licensing is with many of the products
> I've had to use.

Consumer based products such as those from Microsoft are a different issue.

>> What makes you think we want to deal with a company that
>> tries to create its own personal pricing model: 

>
> To make the company more profitable? Isn't that ultimately why any
> business should buy software?

Not at all. We purchase software to make US more efficient and to improve OUR productivity. Very few business can claim to make $1 from software they've purchase.

>> Certainly I would never recommend anyone go along with such a plan.

>
> Well, hopefully the people making the decisions are more interested in
> making money for their investors than drawing a line in the sand with
> regards to how you pay for software.
> --
> Richard Kuhler

No doubt they are trying to make money for their investors. And I, and just about every DBA and SA out here is trying to stay within a budget and not make extra work for ourselves. We already have full time jobs without having to play accounting games for someone's software license scam.

So unless the company has zero competition ... and we all know the chance of that ... they won't last long or the model will change.

-- 
Daniel A. Morgan
University of Washington
damorgan_at_x.washington.edu
(replace 'x' with 'u' to respond)

Received on Mon Nov 22 2004 - 23:37:16 CST