SQL Server Licensing By Microsoft

SQL Server 2017 editions-latest features

SQL Server 2017 builds on the features introduced in the 2016 version. With continued best-in-class security, 2017 innovates further with improved performance, cross-platform compatibility with Linux, better statistical and data science analysis services while reducing cost.

Upgrade Benefits with SQL Server 2017

SQL Server 2017 represents the most innovative database management and development platform yet with:

• Improved performance with SQL Server 2017 increases overall application and organization performance with Adaptive Query Processing.
• New integrations with R and Python, combined with graph data support, improves data analysis.
• These latest innovations further leverage Business Intelligence mobility to offer outstanding services to customers.
• Cross-platform compatibility with Linux and Docker connects these platforms to improved security and performance and reduces costs from third-party support and development.
• SA licensing flexibility reduces cost so companies can scale to cloud-based and HA services or operate hybrid database environments.
• Upgrading is less time-consuming with a wizard so companies can leverage the latest benefits faster than ever for more productivity.

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SQL Server 2017 Licensing Models

With Software Assurance (including License Mobility), fluid movement between on-site and cloud platforms provides improved license management without restrictions.

Software Assurance lowers cost for High Availability applications where multiple servers are necessary since passive licenses are less expensive. Without Software Assurance all licenses for HA are considered active which increases cost.

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SQL Server 2016 editions–what’s new

SQL Server 2016 is the biggest leap forward in Microsoft data platform history. Utilize real-time business analytics, built-in data analysis and advanced security technology. Supports mobile devices & hybrid cloud scenarios.

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Did You Know?

88% of instances of SQL Server are not licensed correctly

SQL Server 2016 Licensing Models

SQL Server 2016 offers customers a variety of licensing options. These options align with how businesses typically host specific workloads. There are two main licensing models that apply to SQL Server:

SERVER + CAL: Provides the option to license users and/or devices. Low cost access to incremental SQL Server instances

• Each server running SQL Server software requires a server license.
• Each user or device accessing a licensed SQL Server requires a SQL Server CAL. The CAL must be the same version or newer. To access a SQL Server 2012 Standard Edition server, a user would need a SQL Server 2012 or 2016 CAL.
• Each SQL Server CAL allows access to multiple licensed SQL Servers. This includes Standard Edition, Business Intelligence and Enterprise Edition Servers.

PER CORE: Gives customers a precise measure of computing power. Provides a more consistent licensing metric regardless of setup. Per core works for physical servers on-premises, or in virtual or cloud environments.

• Core based licensing is appropriate for customers who are unable to count users or devices. Core licensing is used for Internet/Extranet workloads or systems that integrate with web facing databases.

Licensing for Virtualization

SQL Server 2016 offers virtualization rights to provide flexibility for customers with virtual environments. There are two primary virtualization licensing options in SQL Server 2016. The ability to license single virtual machines and the ability to license for maximum virtualization. This applies to large scale setups and private cloud environments.

INDIVIDUAL VIRTUAL MACHINES:

As hardware continues grow, databases will use less computing power. Save on low-usage Virtual Machine Databases by licensing individual VMs.

• To license a VM with core licenses, purchase a core license for each virtual core (virtual thread) allocated to the VM (with a minimum of 4 core licenses per VM).
• To license a single VM with a server license (for Standard Edition only), purchase a server license and matching SQL Server CALs for each user or device. Standard Edition and legacy Business Intelligence and Enterprise Edition Servers.
• Each licensed VM covered with SA can move within a server farm, or to a third-party hoster. This includes cloud services providers. Software Assurance prevents the need to purchase additional SQL Server licenses.

Server + CAL Licensing

Licensing SQL Server software under the Server + CAL model. Customers need to buy a server license for each server. Customers also typically need to purchase client access licenses and device CALs. CALs are used when accessing SQL Server or any of its components. A CAL is a license granting users and devices access to the SQL Server software.

Frequently Asked Questions