A fully explained guide to Microsoft SQL server licensing models

Microsoft SQL Server is one of the main relational database management systems on the market that serves a wide range of software applications for all sorts of entities, from business intelligence to data analytics in corporate environments. It offers a wide variety of licensing options, making it a versatile tool that can be tailored to different environments and business organization scale.

The choice of a licensing model, software edition, and support program comes down to each company's specific operational needs and IT structure. Organizations must carefully evaluate the number of users, expected workloads, the need for scalability and the possibility of migration to the cloud to make informed decisions.

Below we provide guidelines on main features to consider while choosing the Microsoft SQL model.

MS SQL Versions

Microsoft regularly updates SQL server with new features and improved performance.The latest version is SQL Server 2022, which is called "the most Azure enabled release" with the most secure database in the last 10 years. Other earlier versions are 2019, 2017, 2016, etc. Most of the versions allow users to downgrade to previously released versions without having to purchase them.

MS SQL Licensing: Per-Core vs Server+CAL.

It is key to understand the difference between a per-core and a Server+CAL (Client Access License) license is essential.

The per-core model is often the ideal choice in the case of medium to large scale businesses that require a significant amount of connection since this type of license is independent on the number of devices or users accessing the server but rather each physical processor core of the server.

On the other hand, the Server+CAL Model is more suitable for environments where the number of users is limited and controlled. In this case, one license is needed for the activation of the SQL server along with every single access for either a device or a user must be purchased along with it (CAL). It is a more economical choice for small and medium-sized enterprises with a stable IT infrastructure and a fixed number of users/devices.

Editions of SQL Server: Enterprise, Standard and Developer

The different editions of SQL Server adapt to the needs of organizations, offering a variety of features:

Enterprise Edition: Designed for companies with high performance and large database needs. Among the advanced features of this edition, here are a few important ones: Always On Availability Groups, unlimited virtualization and advanced Business Intelligence (BI) management tools.

Standard Edition: A good compromise between cost and functionalities, ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. This edition provides all the core functionality of SQL Server, limits the number of cores and virtualization capability compared to the Enterprise edition.

Developer Edition: Provides all the features and capabilities offered in the Enterprise edition but is intended for development and testing only. It cannot be used in production environments, making it not an ideal choice for businesses that intend to use it for commercial purposes.

Downgrade Rights and Cloud Use

One of the key benefits of SQL Server licensing is the possibility to downgrade the software to an older version at no additional cost. This feature is especially useful for those using legacy applications that require compatibility with earlier versions of SQL Server that would not work with more advanced and updated ones.

Another key factor is the growing trend toward cloud computing. SQL Server is also available under license for cloud environments such as Microsoft Azure. This offers flexibility to companies looking to scale up and take advantage of the pay-as-you-go model. Licensing for SQL Server in cloud environments is particularly suitable for hybrid or fully cloud-based infrastructures where scalability and resource elasticity are essential.

Software Assurance and Continuous Support

In order to safeguard and maximize their investment in SQL Server, many organizations choose to add the Software Assurance program made available by Microsoft. This program, in particular, offers continuous access to software updates, extended technical support, and easy migration to newer versions of the SQL server software. It is a recommended choice for those who want to keep product features and enhancements at the latest versions without having to deal with unexpected upgrade and accessory costs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right SQL server license model requires a careful assessment of business needs and requirements. Large organizations, with complex infrastructures and a large number of users or devices will find the per-core licensing model more attractive as it offers more flexibility and virtual scalability. Small to medium-sized businesses, however, with fewer specific users and devices and with a steady and controlled growth may opt for the Server + CAL model, cheaper and more congenial to their needs.

Organizations managing large-scale development projects, on the other hand, will find the Developer edition a perfect fit for testing advanced features without the costs associated with the license for commercial purposes.