SQL license query

Question

Query regarding Azure SQL production server licensing

Answer 1

The primary licensing consideration in this context is the use of Azure Hybrid Benefits - more at

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/azure-hybrid-benefit?view=azuresql&tabs=azure-portal

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hth

Marcin

Answer 2

Hello Ramit,

Thanks for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

SQL Server CALs are not required for SQL Server 2022. Microsoft has transitioned to a core-based licensing model for SQL Server 2019 and later versions. With core-based licensing, you only need to purchase licenses based on the number of cores in your SQL Server VM, not the number of users accessing the server.

Since you mentioned that your VM has dual cores, you'll need to purchase two SQL Server Standard licenses to cover the SQL Server installation on that VM.

Please don't forget to close up the thread here by upvoting and accept it as an answer if it is helpful

Answer 3

I'd like to know how to procure and assign a SQL Standard license

That's an "Edition Upgrade", easily done, see https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/install-windows/upgrade-to-a-different-edition-of-sql-server-setup?view=sql-server-ver16

Answer 4

Hi Ramit Sharma,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

As I understand, you have a question on SQL Server licensing.

If it is related to SQL Server, SQL Server 2019 is offered in two main commercial editions to accommodate the unique feature, performance and price requirements of organizations and individuals:

• Enterprise Edition is ideal for applications requiring mission critical in-memory performance, security and high availability.
• Standard Edition delivers fully featured database capabilities for mid-tier applications and data marts.

The editions are offered in a straightforward, tiered model that creates greater consistency across the product editions, features and licensing. Enterprise Edition includes all the capabilities available in SQL Server 2019.

If the question is about SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (VMs), there are three license models for an Azure VM that's hosting SQL Server: pay-as-you-go, Azure Hybrid Benefit (AHB), and High Availability/Disaster Recovery (HA/DR). You can modify the license model of your SQL Server VM by using the Azure portal, the Azure CLI, or PowerShell.

More details: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/virtual-machines/windows/licensing-model-azure-hybrid-benefit-ahb-change?view=azuresql&tabs=azure-portal

Hope this helps. Let us know if you have more queries.

Thanks