Hello, @Milan !
How does VM licensing work with Windows Server or SQL Server scenarios?
Licensing can be complicated, but essentially falls into one of two categories: Standard licensing fee (included in the cost of the VM for Windows Server) or Azure Hybrid Benefit which provides a discount on the licensing cost as long as you have one of the qualifying licenses:
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/hybrid-benefit/#faq
SQL Server and Windows Server core licenses with active Software Assurance or qualifying subscription core licenses have Azure Hybrid Benefit eligibility in Azure, including:
- Windows Server Datacenter edition.
- Windows Server Standard edition.
- SQL Server Enterprise Edition.
- SQL Server Standard Edition. If you don't have Software Assurance, please work with your Microsoft account team or a Cloud Service Provider partner. The offer is available in all Azure regions.
If you have SQL Standard license with Active Software Assurance or qualifying subscription, then you qualify for Azure Hybrid Benefit. If not, then you would default to paying for a cloud license for the VM as you would not have a qualifying cloud license.
This is similar to Windows 10/11 scenarios where someone may have a license for home use but are unable to use that license in a cloud environment on a VM and would need a qualifying cloud license.
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