SQL 2019 Core license on Hyper-V cluster

a3pl 6 Reputation points
2021-11-24T08:58:47.037+00:00

Scenario:
I want to make a Windows Hyper-V 2 node cluster and run a 8 core VM with SQL Standard core on it.
There will be only one VM with SQL, no passive one.
Only in case of update of host operating system or failure of one of the nodes, machine with SQL should be moved for downtime to the other node.
What license should I buy ?
Only 8 cores or i have to get it with SA ? Buying SA only for updating host operating system ? Rather weird but possible.

I haven't found answer for that question anywhere. All scenarios are talking about active/passive SQL cluster.

Anyone has such configuration ?

SQL Server
SQL Server
A family of Microsoft relational database management and analysis systems for e-commerce, line-of-business, and data warehousing solutions.
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Windows Server Clustering
Windows Server Clustering
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Clustering: The grouping of multiple servers in a way that allows them to appear to be a single unit to client computers on a network. Clustering is a means of increasing network capacity, providing live backup in case one of the servers fails, and improving data security.
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  1. Tom Phillips 17,716 Reputation points
    2021-11-24T12:57:36.053+00:00

    You are not using a "cluster", you are simply using a "virtual machine". The licensing guide addresses your questions.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server/sql-server-2019-pricing

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Leon Laude 85,641 Reputation points
    2021-11-24T09:02:50.19+00:00

    Hi @a3pl ,

    Please note that these are technical forums, and is not meant for providing legal advice on licensing. licensing questions are best asked directly to a trained Microsoft licensing specialist.

    You can contact Microsoft directly and discuss your licensing needs - www.microsoft.com/licensing

    Some general information:

    • Each host needs to be licensed.
    • A minimum of 8 core licenses is required for each physical processor and a minimum of 16 core licenses is required for each server.
    • Core licenses are sold in packs of two (2).
    • Standard Edition provides rights for up to 2 Operating System Environments or Windows Servers containers with Hyper-V isolation when all physical cores in the server are licensed. For each additional 1 or 2 VMs, all the physical cores in the server must be licensed again.
    • Datacenter Edition provides rights for unlimited Operating System Environments or Windows Servers containers with Hyper-V isolation when all physical cores in the server are licensed.

    You'll also find some licensing information here:

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    If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you!

    Best regards,
    Leon

  3. CathyJi-MSFT 21,066 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2021-11-25T03:04:10.707+00:00

    Hi @a3pl ,

    > There will be only one VM with SQL, no passive one.

    If you do not have passive node, you need to buy 2 x 8 core license for each node on which you can run VM with SQL.

    If the node2 is the passive node, and you can choose the second option that you mentioned.

    But this is technical forum, for SQL server license question, I still suggest that you can consult professionals in this area. please call 1-800-426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time) to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist. Or you can go to Volume Licensing Service Center support. Please choose region/language and choose to call or have web. People there will help you more effectively.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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