How is SQL Server licensed?

• Processor Licensing: in this model you need to buy one SQL Server license for every physical or virtual processor accessed by an operating system environment running SQL Server. This model makes sense and becomes more economical only when you reach certain number of users depending on the SQL Server Edition. For example it will be cheaper to purchase the per processor version of SQL Server workgroup edition if you have more than 25 users that will access the database. In the case of internet based application the per processor licensing makes sense.
• Server plus device CALs: in this model you need to purchase a SQL Server license for each operating system environment running an instance of SQL Server regardless of how many processors that environment may have. In addition you will need to purchase one client access license (CAL) for each client device accesses a system running SQL Server. This is the optimal licensing model for customers who do not need access beyond the firewall and who have relatively low CAL-to-server ratios (for example, approximately 25 or fewer devices per processor for Standard Edition and 75 or fewer devices per processor for Enterprise Edition).
• Server plus user CALs: in this licensing model you need to purchase a server license for each operating system environment running an instance of SQL Server, as well as a CAL for each user who accesses a system running SQL Server. The user CAL model will likely be more cost effective than device CALs if there are multiple devices per user (for example, a user has a laptop and handheld computer accessing SQL Server).

How much does it cost?

SQL Server Express Edition and SQL Server Compact Edition are free. The prices for the other editions vary by edition and licensing model. Just to give you an idea (the actual price varies also on the reseller you are buying it from) here are approximate prices for each edition:

• Workgroup Edition:
  • Processor licensing -> ~$3,700
  • Server plus CALs -> ~$730 w/ 5 CALs; ~$146 for each additional CAL
• Standard Edition:
  • Processor licensing -> ~$5,700
  • Server plus CALs -> ~$885 per server; ~$160 for each CAL
• Enterprise Edition:
  • Processor licensing -> ~$24,000
  • Server plus CALs -> ~$8,500 per server; ~$160 for each CAL

How do I buy it?

You can buy directly from Microsoft or from an authorized reseller. Before buying it is a good idea to sit down and do the simple calculations yourself based on the particular scenario you have to deal with.

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