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SQL Server Licensing in a Linux HA environment

Mike Stone 1 Reputation point
2020-11-17T22:02:46.57+00:00

Hi, I am looking to deliver SQL in an HA configuration on Linux. This requires the deployment of a witness service.

The witness (sometimes called quorum) is a cluster function that makes sure a majority decision can be made in the event of a failure. The witness insures that ties never happen if you have an even number of cluster nodes.

In a Windows/SQL configuration the witness is normally a file share. In Linux/SQL the witness is a Linux\SQL server configured as a witness. This is based on MSFT design requirements. Therefore, a standard Linux/SQL Always on Availability Group has three servers/nodes:- primary (active replica - r/w), secondary (standby replica - mirror) and witness (hosts the clusters meta data, no user data).

Does this witness server, require SQL licensing?

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  1. m 4,271 Reputation points
    2020-11-18T02:48:20.877+00:00

    Hi @Mike Stone ,

    Does this witness server, require SQL licensing?

    Yes. Because the free edition:Express can't act as one witness in Linux HA enviroment.Quote from this doc.:sql-server-linux-editions-and-components-2017
    40438-20201118linuxeditionfeaturesupport.png

    You can also input "sql server license guide 20xx" to download the PDF to have a license firstly.Then, you need to consult our license team to verify it.
    License Team:
    For detailed information about the license issue, please 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. For international customers, please use the https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/worldwide to find contact information in your locations.
    Or you can go to https://www.microsoft.com/Licensing/servicecenter/default.aspx Please choose region/language and choose to call or have web. People there will help you more effectively.
    40485-20201118googlelicense.png

    BR,
    Mia

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  2. Mike Stone 1 Reputation point
    2020-11-18T02:53:22.113+00:00

    Thank you MiaMiao. Does the edition of SQL for the witness need to match the active node (ie if the active node is SQL Enterprise, does the witness also need to be Enterprise or could it be Standard Edition (which would be much cheaper)?

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  3. m 4,271 Reputation points
    2020-11-18T04:01:47.737+00:00

    Hi @Mike Stone ,

    does the edition of SQL for the witness need to match the active node (ie if the active node is SQL Enterprise, does the witness also need to be Enterprise or could it be Standard Edition ?

    Always On failover cluster instance: witness: Enterprise / Standard all ok.
    Always On availability groups:witness: Enterprise
    40503-20201118fromthisscreenshot.png

    which would be much cheaper?

    I am not familiar with their prices, and the response to this question（license and price） is beyond my responsibility.You can consult our license team for the license and price, they can give you more suitable suggestions.

    BR,
    Mia

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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  4. m 4,271 Reputation points
    2020-11-19T01:15:37.297+00:00

    Hi @Mike Stone ,

    Is the reply helpful?

    BR,
    Mia

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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