What is an Oracle "User"

Having been burned by several other vendors, I would like confirmation from some actual users.

We are considering Oracle in an environment where we will have one "main" database, and a bunch of local databases with frequently used data. Each of about 400 users will attach to both a local Oracle database and over a WAN to the central database.

Oracle sales is telling us that counts as 400 users, and a 400 user license is all we need (plus some nominal, like few hundred dollar each, cost for a server on each processor).

That is so enlightened of a definition of a "user" that the cynic in me thinks the salesman is mistaken, and when we get to doing it we will find we have 800 users by their counts.

Anyone know for sure how this works? Either legally, or from any enforcement techniques they use (about which I know nothing as yet).

Thanks in advance. Thanks double for an e-mail copy of any response in case I miss it in the rather high volume here.

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Linwood Ferguson                 e-mail: ferguson_at_uvii.mag.aramark.com
Mgr. Software Engineering        Voice:  (US) 540/967-0087
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