Oracle ASFU Introduction

Oracle ASFU license (Application Specific Full Use) is an important licensing model that Oracle Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) can use to build solutions or applications that utilize Oracle technology. This article explains the key features of ASFU licenses, their limitations, and technical requirements.

Oracle ASFU License Overview

Oracle ASFU license is a licensing model that allows ISVs to purchase all Oracle technology software, including databases and middleware products such as WebLogic. This license model is only available to Oracle ISV partners who have built solutions or applications that utilize Oracle technology. The ISV purchases the ASFU license from Oracle and then resells the license to the end customer, who is listed as the owner of the ASFU licenses.

Oracle ASFU License Terms

The ASFU license model is limited to a specific ISV/OEM application or solution, which is defined in a contract between Oracle and the Oracle ISV. The ASFU license is also restricted to a specific set of technical limitations, including no storage of third-party data in the Oracle database, no building of customized code or applications using the Oracle database license, and no letting third-party programs run their business logic or store any data in the Oracle database.

Oracle ASFU vs Oracle Full Use

One key difference between ASFU and Oracle Full Use licenses is that the ASFU license is discounted at 60% from the Oracle pricelist. Another difference is that the ASFU license does not always follow standard Oracle licensing rules by counting named user plus users or processors. Instead, ASFU licenses are occasionally using royalty license models, where the ISV can resell Oracle licenses and Oracle gets a percentage from the ISV price list every time there is a sale.

Oracle ASFU and Audits

Oracle ASFU license deployments should not be included in end-customer Oracle license audits. Any audit of Oracle software for ASFU must be done via the ISV/OEM partner who resold the license, and the end customer is not liable towards Oracle for any non-compliance with the Oracle license.

Oracle ASFU License FAQ

• What is the Oracle ASFU license?
  A: The Oracle ASFU license stands for Oracle Application Specific Full Use license. This is a license model that can only be sold by Oracle ISV/OEM partners who have built solutions or applications that utilize Oracle technology. The ASFU license allows the ISV to utilize all Oracle technology software, including Oracle database and middleware products such as WebLogic.
• What are the technical limitations of the Oracle ASFU license?
  A: There are several technical limitations with the Oracle ASFU license, including:

1. It is not permitted to store any third-party data in the Oracle database.
2. Building customized code or applications and using the Oracle database license is prohibited.
3. Running third-party programs to handle business logic and storing data in the Oracle database is not allowed.
4. Non-ASFU applications can read data from the database using ODBC or similar access methods.
5. Non-ASFU applications cannot write data directly to the database using ODBC or similar methods.

• How does the Oracle ASFU license differ from the Oracle Full Use license?
  A: The Oracle ASFU license differs from the Oracle Full Use license in several ways. The ASFU license is specific to the solution or application defined in the agreement, whereas the Full Use license can be used for any internal business operation without any restrictions. Additionally, ASFU licenses are discounted at 60% from Oracle’s price list, whereas Full Use licenses are not. Technical support for ASFU licenses is also limited, with the ISV acting as the first line of support, while Full Use licenses have direct access to Oracle technical support.
• How do ASFU licenses count towards Oracle audits?
  A: ASFU license deployments should not be included in end customer Oracle license audits. Any audit of Oracle software for Application Specific Full Use must be done via the ISV/OEM partner who resold the license. The end customer is not liable towards Oracle for any non-compliance with the Oracle license. However, if the ISV is found to be non-compliant, they are liable to pay Oracle for unlicensed software.