How are SQL Server licenses sold

 

How are SQL Server licenses sold?

 

 

 

SQL Server is a popular database management system that offers a wide range of features and capabilities for organizations of all sizes. However, choosing the right licensing program for your organization can be confusing.

 

In this post, we'll take a closer look at the various licensing programs available for SQL Server.

 

Per Core Licensing

Per core licensing is a popular licensing model for SQL Server. This model is based on the number of processor cores that are used to run SQL Server. Customers are required to purchase a minimum of four core licenses per processor, and additional core licenses can be purchased in packs of two.

 

This licensing model is ideal for organizations that need to run SQL Server on a large number of processors. It provides a more predictable licensing cost, as the license fee is based on the number of processor cores, rather than the number of users or devices that access the server.

 

Server + CAL Licensing

Server + CAL licensing is another licensing option for SQL Server. In this model, customers purchase a server license for each SQL Server instance and client access licenses (CALs) for each user or device that accesses the server.

 

This option is typically more cost-effective for customers with a small number of users or devices. It allows customers to pay for licenses based on the number of users or devices that access the server, rather than the number of processor cores.

 

Subscription Licensing

Subscription licensing allows customers to subscribe to SQL Server licenses on a monthly or annual basis. This option provides more flexibility in terms of scalability and reduces upfront costs. Customers can increase or decrease the number of licenses they need based on their business needs, and they are only charged for the licenses they use.

 

Free Developer Edition

Microsoft offers a free Developer Edition of SQL Server that can be used for development and testing purposes. This edition provides all the features of the Enterprise Edition of SQL Server, and can be used by individual developers or small development teams.

Conclusion

SQL Server licenses are sold by Microsoft through various licensing programs and options to meet the needs of different types of customers. Customers can purchase SQL Server licenses directly from Microsoft or through their authorized resellers, or they can opt for cloud-based licensing options provided by cloud providers such as AWS and Microsoft Azure. Understanding the different licensing options available for SQL Server can help customers choose the licensing program that best meets their needs and budget.