How to View Open-Source Licenses in Amazon Redshift

What does the Redshift open-source license query do?

It returns every third-party component shipped with the cluster and the associated open-source license text. This helps legal, security, and engineering teams track compliance easily.

When should I run it?

Run after cluster creation, major version upgrades, or when internal policies require an audit of bundled software.

How do I run the query?

Execute SELECT * FROM svv_redshift_licenses; in any SQL tool connected to the cluster. No extra extensions or privileges are needed beyond basic SELECT access.

What columns are returned?

component – library name. license_name – SPDX identifier. license_text – full license body. version – component version.

Can I filter the result?

Yes. Use WHERE to narrow by component or license. Example: WHERE component ILIKE '%postgres%' to find PostgreSQL-related code.

Example: Verify PostgreSQL license

SELECT license_text
FROM svv_redshift_licenses
WHERE component = 'PostgreSQL'
LIMIT 1;

The query returns the permissive PostgreSQL license so your compliance team can archive it.

Best practices

Store query output in S3 for future audits, automate weekly runs with Amazon EventBridge Scheduler, and review after each ALTER SYSTEM or version upgrade.

Common mistakes

Using an unprivileged user

Users without SELECT on the system view get “permission denied.” Fix with GRANT SELECT ON svv_redshift_licenses TO analyst_role;.

Assuming the list is static

Component versions change during maintenance windows. Re-run the query post-upgrade to capture updated licenses.

Related queries

Check node software versions with SELECT version(); and list cluster parameters with SELECT * FROM pg_catalog.pg_settings;.