Data Guard doesn't require a license - it's included with the EE database, so if the EE database can be used for a recovery catalog under the "Special Use Licensing" documented here: http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/B19306_01/license.102/b14199/editions.htm#BABJBGJE Then I don't see any reason why you couldn't run Data Guard on it too. There are no limitations given in the above document about not being able to use any features of the database under this special licensing, so I think it's safe to assume it's okay unless they tell you otherwise in writing. I don't think I'd even bother asking them about it - it seems fairly clear from the docs that it's okay. If they audited you and decided it was a violation, then you could just shutdown the standby instance if/when they told you to. -----Original Message----- From: oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Michael Dinh From my understanding, no licensing is required for a database that is solely used to support Oracle infrastructure. Now you have raised my curiosity as far as Active Dataguard.. Probably will need to check with account reps. Privileged/Confidential Information may be contained in this message or attachments hereto. Please advise immediately if you or your employer do not consent to Internet email for messages of this kind. Opinions, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of this company shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it. -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l