What is AWS License Manager?
AWS License Manager is a free service for central management of software licenses in AWS and on-premises environments. The service enables tracking, compliance monitoring, and cost optimization for all types of software licenses.
License Manager supports BYOL scenarios (Bring Your Own License) for software like Windows Server, SQL Server, Oracle Database, or SAP. You define license rules that are automatically enforced to prevent compliance violations.
The service integrates with EC2, RDS, AWS Marketplace, and Systems Manager for comprehensive visibility across all license usage.
Core Features
AWS License Manager provides comprehensive license management:
License Tracking: Automatic capture of license usage across EC2 instances, RDS databases, and on-premises servers. Dashboard shows usage vs. entitlements.
License Rules: Definition of usage limits based on vCPUs, sockets, cores, or instances. Rules are automatically checked during EC2 launch.
Launch Control: Prevent license overages through automatic blocking of launches that would exceed limits.
Cross-Account Management: Central license management across multiple AWS accounts via AWS Organizations.
Marketplace Integration: Automatic tracking of AWS Marketplace license entitlements and usage.
Typical Use Cases
BYOL for Windows and SQL Server
Enterprises with existing Microsoft licenses (Software Assurance) can use them in AWS. License Manager tracks core or vCPU usage and ensures compliance.
Example: You have 500 SQL Server Standard cores licensed. License Manager monitors usage across all EC2 instances and prevents launches that would exceed the limit.
Oracle License Compliance
Oracle licensing is complex (core factor, processor types, cluster rules). License Manager helps track usage and create compliance reports for audits.
Definition of license rules based on Oracle metrics. Automatic capture of RDS for Oracle and EC2-based Oracle deployments.
Multi-Account License Management
Large organizations with many AWS accounts need central visibility into license usage. License Manager aggregates data across AWS Organizations.
Central license pool definition in management account. Automatic distribution and tracking across all member accounts. Consolidated compliance reports.
Cost Optimization
Identify unused or underutilized licenses. License Manager shows usage trends and helps optimize license costs.
Consolidation of workloads on fewer instances to reduce license costs. Timely cancellation of unused licenses.
Benefits
AWS License Manager provides concrete benefits:
Free: No additional costs for License Manager itself.
Compliance Assurance: Automatic enforcement of license rules prevents violations.
Central View: Unified dashboard for all licenses across cloud and on-premises.
Audit Readiness: Detailed reports for software audits from Microsoft, Oracle, or other vendors.
Cost Optimization: Identification of unused licenses and optimization potential.
AWS License Manager Integration with innFactory
As an AWS Reseller, innFactory supports you with AWS License Manager:
BYOL Strategy: We analyze your existing licenses and develop optimal BYOL strategies for AWS. Cost comparison between BYOL and AWS-included licenses.
License Rule Setup: Definition and configuration of license rules for Windows, SQL Server, Oracle, and other software. Launch controls for compliance.
Multi-Account Setup: Setting up License Manager across AWS Organizations for central governance.
Audit Preparation: Creation of compliance reports and documentation for software audits.
Contact us for a non-binding consultation on AWS License Manager and license optimization on AWS.
Typical Use Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AWS License Manager?
AWS License Manager is a free service for central management of software licenses. The service tracks license usage across EC2, RDS, on-premises servers, and AWS Marketplace. You maintain compliance oversight and optimize license costs.
What license types are supported?
License Manager supports various licensing models: vCPU-based, socket-based, core-based, instance-based, and named user. Both BYOL (Bring Your Own License) and AWS Marketplace licenses are supported.
How does BYOL work with License Manager?
You define license rules (e.g., max. 100 cores for Oracle Database), link these to AMIs or instance types. License Manager automatically tracks usage and prevents overages through launch controls.
Can License Manager track on-premises servers?
Yes, via AWS Systems Manager, on-premises servers can be integrated into License Manager. This provides a unified view of cloud and on-premises license usage.