Choosing the Right SQL Server Licensing Model

When licensing SQL Server, you can choose a license type based on the size of your environment and number of servers running it. For example, you might want to choose a core-based license for larger organizations or a Server+CAL model for smaller organizations. You might also choose to use Software Assurance to take advantage of some major SQL Server benefits. Choosing the right licensing model can help you deploy your server faster and more efficiently.

The Server+CAL model is designed for smaller organizations that need to run a handful of servers. This model allows customers to license individual containers and to reassign them from one server to another. However, this can have some limitations, especially if your organization uses nested virtualization. Customers using nested virtualization need to buy a minimum of four core licenses for each container they install.

In contrast, customers who use Software Assurance at DirectDeals.com are free to deploy an unlimited number of containers on a licensed server. Additionally, Software Assurance includes all Enterprise Edition core licenses. By adding an additional core license, you can deploy SQL Server software in even more containers.

The number of core licenses you need is determined by the processor used in the server and the number of processors in the VM. The minimum number of cores you will need is 4 if your servers are in a single data center or two if they are in a server farm. If your VMs are nested, you will need to purchase a core license for each v-core. To know more about software, visit this website at http://www.dictionary.com/browse/system-program.

If you plan to use non-engine components on your VMs, you will need to pay separately for these. Non-engine components include the operating system and any software used to dynamically allocate resources. Depending on your environment, you may need to install other non-engine components in a separate VM. These can include the SQL Administration Service and DBCCs.

If you plan to use a SQL Server 2008 SA license, you will need to pay an estimated 25 percent of your base licensing cost each year. Your yearly Software Assurance costs can range from $600 USD for a single license to $7,600 USD for all your SQL Server licenses. There are also yearly benefits to acquiring an SA license, such as disaster recovery benefits and high availability.

For customers who have active Software Assurance, they can reassign their licenses to different servers within a server farm. They can also transfer their licenses to third party shared servers. If your company is large, managing the number of CALs can be a challenge. Luckily, Microsoft recently released changes to their licensing programs, which can make reassignment a lot easier.

One important change to SQL Server licensing was announced before the Ignite conference in January. It clarified some confusing elements. To take advantage of major SQL Server benefits, you must have Software Assurance. A good start is to make sure your existing SA coverage is up to date.

There are some common components that each instance of SQL Server has, such as user databases and system databases. You can use these to access your data and execute queries on it. Get more information here!