Could I use SQL Server Express 2022 on VM in AliCloud without Server License fee?

William Liang 0 Reputation points
2023-03-01T07:03:57.58+00:00

Our website is a small one hosted in Taiwan, the only usage of the SQL database table is store data for displaying them in web page. Almost no traffic at all. Maybe data entered on form will be saved to tables, I don't know.

Our software provider never gave us SQL License or told us about it.

We now must port the whole site to AliCloud, but AliCloud said we must have a SQL License.

We wonder since SQL Express 2022 is far enough for us, could we install SQL Express on VM machine in AliCloud for commercial use without paying to Microsoft?

We think this deal with License, we better ask Microsoft, not AliCloud.

Thank you.

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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  1. Olaf Helper 27,211 Reputation points
    2023-03-01T07:08:27.7133333+00:00

    The SQL Server Express Edition is free for use, also for commercial purpose, see Microsoft® SQL Server® Express License Terms for Redistribution and Hosting

    Just keep in mind, that Express has several technical limitiations, like max database size = 10 GB.

  2. Seeya Xi-MSFT 15,191 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2023-03-01T08:16:45.24+00:00

    Hi @William Liang,

    As Olaf said,tThe SQL Server Express Edition is free for use.

    Please refer to this:
    User's image

    could we install SQL Express on VM machine in AliCloud for commercial use without paying to Microsoft?

    For detailed information about the license issue, you can 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.

    Best regards,

    Seeya

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