Can I use the free version of SQL in another location to collect and transfer the data to a licensed version. This is so that the data will have somewhere to collect if the connection goes down. Transfer and delete so the free version does not fill up.

Question

Hi, we have a licensed SQL database in one of our locations. We have some process machines that I would like to set up to log process data in a different location. The connection between the two locations frequently drops out. I would like to use the free version of SQL on a computer in the other location for the machines to log to. Then, I would like to set that SQL database to transfer the data to the licensed Database when connected and clear the free version so that it never fills up. Is this possible to do or do we have to purchase another full license for each location? We will also have another location coming on line soon. Thanks a lot!

Answer 1

Depends on what free version you are talking about. You can use SQL Server Express which is licensed for production use. You cannot use SQL Server Developer Editon, because it is not licensed for production use. And I can but understand that you describe is production use.

Answer 2

Hi @Greg Galambos, P.Eng,

If you are using SQL Server on your production server, you need full license for each location.

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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