Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 2019 Server + CAL Question

Question

I am using the free version of SMSS 2019 to setup and manage a local database. Also running locally, under the same user, is an application which connects to this database to write into some of its tables.

Now I am constantly running into the 10GB data limit of the free version of SMSS and would like to purchase the Standard Server license, however it is unclear to me if I would also need a CAL license for the aforementioned application to access the database, or if the Server license itself would be sufficient as both the application and the database run on the same PC under the same user, no network communication whatsoever.

So, do I need the CAL license as well?

Answer 1

Hi @Lumawu，

If you want to purchase Standard Server license, you'd better to contact a Microsoft sales partner or licensing expert for professional advice.

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. Or you can go to Volume Licensing Service Center support. Please choose region/language and choose to call or have web. People there will help you more effectively.

Regards，

Zoe Hui

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Answer 2

You can find a SQL Server licensing guide

See links below "Resources" here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/product-licensing/sql-server#layout-container-uidbfce

For CAL Licensing: you do not license the application but you have to have enough Device or User CALs accessing the database through the application. Or to put it into the words of the pdf

"When licensing SQL Server software under the Server+CAL licensing model, users and devices that indirectly

access SQL Server data through another application or hardware device still require SQL Server CALs. "

If there is really only one user. Then it is one Server CAL and one User CAL I'd guess. But I'm no licensing guy anyway. Therefore, as mentioned above, it is still a good way to talk to a licensing specialist.

BR,

Dirk