How many sql server enterprise licence I need for availability group solution with 2 node active?

Question

Hi all,
I just read the "2019 SQL SERVER PDF" and it's clear at 95%.
I go to the question...

1 enterprise license (min. 4 core + software assurance)

My doubt:

• Server A is the primary with 5 AG sync.
• Server B is now passive (only write no read)
• 2 AGs goes on SERVER B
• Now I got 3 primary AG on Server A and 2 primary on server B

Is it enough 1 only + sa license? Do need I in this case 2 SQL SERVER license + sa?

Thanks ALEN

Answer 1

For detailed information about the license issue, 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. For international customers, please use the https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/worldwide to find contact information in your locations.

The licensing guide describes most situations. Please see "Licensing SQL Server for high availability and disaster recovery": /api/attachments/96089-sql-server-2019-licensing-guide.pdf?platform=QnA

Answer 2

From the licensing guide, refer the following.

Two secondary server used for failover support does not need to be separately licensed for SQL Server as long as it is truly passive, and the primary SQL Server is covered with active SA. If it is marked to read and serving data, such as reports to clients running active SQL Server workloads, or performing any “work” except for maintenance related operations mentioned above, then it must be licensed for SQL Server.

This means, if your availability groups are passive, you dont require separate license for up to two servers.

Also refer the following licensing scenario:

I referred the following licensing document: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/storage/attachments/96089-sql-server-2019-licensing-guide.pdf

Hope this helps