MSSQL Developer Usage Limits

Question

Hello, I am a business owner working on an accounting program project in Turkey. I want to use the SQL Developer version to create, develop and test the database during the production phase of my program. Customers who purchase the program from us will have SQL Express or Standard Edition installed in their offices. We only want to use the Developer version when producing or developing the program. Does this constitute a violation of rights for Microsoft?

Answer 1

As Zoe said, this is a forum for technical questions, and for authoritative answers on legal matters, you should talk to a Microsoft licensing specialist.

However, this is one of the few license questions I dare to answer with confidence. This is absolutely the scenario where Developer Edition is a fair game.

There is one thing to watch out for, though: With Developer Edition, you have all features that are in Enterprise Edition. This can bite you if your customers will run on Express and Standard Edition. These days, the difference is mainly related to performance, but nevertheless you can run into to some puzzling surprises. So from this perspective, it may be better to develop on Express Edition. On very least, you should test on Express to make sure that your software runs on this problem.

Answer 2

Hi @Fatih BAYIR,

This is a community forum for technical questions & issues.

For question regarding pricing / licensing please contact a Microsoft sales partner or licensing expert.

Call (1-800-426-9400), Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM PST to speak directly to Microsoft licensing specialist.

Regards，

Zoe Hui

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Answer 3

If you already have installed SQL Server Developer Edition, then you can find the EULA with all details under

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\150\License Terms\SQLServer2019_License_DEV_1033.rtf

(for other versions the folder is slidly different)