SQL Server Always on High Availability License Requirments

Question

Hello Experts,

This conversation about reaching SQL high availability between two nodes and required licensing. 

We currently have one server (a node) running our production SQL server 2019 with the Enterprise edition core base, as seen below.

• Windows Server 2019 Standard.
• Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Enterprise Edition: Core-based Licensing (64-bit)
• SQL Services using (SQL, SSIS, SSAS) on same server.
• 5 Databases

 Now we are planning to have secondary node to achieve always on high availability

Even with a primary Node 1 license on Microsoft SQL Enterprise Core based. Is necessary to purchase another license for Node 2.

Purchasing SQL server licenses for a new secondary node is still necessary? In order to achieve Always on High Availability between two nodes.

What kind of license should be chosen if the secondary node needs a SQL Server license?

If we buy Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Standard for a secondary node, Is it possible for two nodes to have Always on High Availability?

Having Node 1 - Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Enterprise

Having Node 2- Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Standard

Thanks,

Answer 1

To find answers on your own about licensing read the SQL Server Licensing Guide.

If you feel uncertain after having read the guide (and one can hardly blame you if you do), you need to talk to a Microsoft licensing specialist, call (1-800-426-9400), Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM PST to speak directly to Microsoft licensing specialist, or contact your local Microsoft office.

This is a technical forum, and your question is a legal one. You cannot get an authoritative answer here. That is, we may say something, but if we are wrong that can cost you a lot of money in case of a license audit. Or because you bought a license you do not need.

This is from memory and I may be wrong: You need a license for the secondary node, unless you have Software Assurance. (Which you should have in my opinion.) It also depends on what you use the node for. If the secondary node is passive, you need to license. If you make it a readable secondary, you need a license always.

Finally, your question has a technical part:

If we buy Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Standard for a secondary node, Is it possible for two nodes to have Always on High Availability? Having Node 1 - Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Enterprise Having Node 2- Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Standard

No, that is not a good combo. Both nodes should run the same edition, else you cannot fail forth and back. (Which is you want the AG for.) Also, Standard only supports Basic Availability Groups. Which you cannot create on Enterprise.

They should also normally run the same version of SQL Server. The one exception is when you are performing a rolling upgrade. Then you would upgrade the secondary, make a failover and upgrade the other node.