SQL Server License for Test database

Question

Hi,

We are using SQL Server 2017 Enterprise Edition for some test instances. Our company has 50 core enterprise license with 'SA'. Can anyone tell me does our test instance cpu core counted under license or it is free of license?

Answer 1

Hi @Kazi Ariful Haq ,

You can find related message in error log. For example:

SQL Server detected 1 sockets with 8 cores per socket and 8 logical processors per socket, 8 total logical processors; using 8 logical processors based on SQL Server licensing. This is an informational message; no user action is required.

For testing purposes, you can use the free Developer Edition instead. It includes all the functionality of Enterprise edition, and it is licensed for use as a development and test system.
In addition, for more question about license issue, you can consult professionals in this area calling 1-800-426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time). For international customers, please use the https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/worldwide to find contact information in your locations. For Volume Licensing Service Support, please use the https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/servicecenter/Help/Contact.aspx to contact information for your country.

Best Regards,
Amelia

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Users always get connection timeout problem when using multi subnet AG via listener. Especially after failover to another subnet

Answer 2

Can anyone tell me does our test instance cpu core counted under license or it is free of license?

It will be counted it wont be free. You are using Enterprise edition cores for testing, which can be used, but in case you have limited license please use Developer edition which is "exactly" same as Enterprise edition in terms of features and functionality, why waste it on testing. MS does treats license differently no matter you use it on test or production.