Need Azure Arc-compatible SQL Server installation media for PAYG licensing (Standard or Enterprise

Question

Hi. On a Windows Server in a VMWare VPC I need to install a SQL Server (Standard or Enterprise) to then connect it via ARC to an Azure subscription.

This is because I then need to manage the license via PAYG

I do not have a license key for the onpremies installation and I do not want to use an evaulation version.

Where can I find an Azure Arc-compatible SQL Server installation media for PAYG licensing? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

hi Andrea Balconi )) thanks for posting this on q&a

u gotta grab the sql server installation media from the azure portal itself. yes, its kinda hidden but go to azure portal > sql server on azure arc > add new sql server instance. during setup, it'll let u download the exact media u need for payg licensing. no eval, no sneaky tricks.

if u're setting this up in a vmware vpc, make sure u've got the arc agent installed and connected first. otherwise sql server won't even see the payg option. even if u don't have an on-prem key, payg in arc means u're billing through azure. so the media u download is pre-wired for that. no extra steps, just install and arc handles the rest. nice, right?

for general stuff that works anywhere, always verify your vm meets sql server requirements. ram, cpu, disk space, the usual suspects. this might help in other tools too, not just vmware. oh and disable any local firewalls during install, they love to block arc connections at the worst moment.

worth looking into your network config as well. arc needs outbound https, so if u're behind a proxy or strict firewall, sort that out before u start. otherwise u'll be staring at timeout errors like... why is this not working %))

aha, and one last thing )) if u hit snags during install, the arc logs are your best friend. they're in c:\program data\azure connected machine agent\logs. super detailed, like a detective's notebook.

hope this gets u sorted

Best regards,

Alex

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Answer 2

@Andrea Balconi

Currently, Microsoft does not provide downloadable SQL Server ISOs preconfigured for Azure Arc PAYG licensing. The PAYG licensing model for SQL Server via Azure Arc is designed to be applied post-installation, after the SQL Server instance has been set up.

Install SQL Server Using Evaluation Media:

You can install SQL Server using the Evaluation Edition ISO, which does not require a product key during installation.

This approach allows you to set up SQL Server without entering a license key initially.

Connect the Server to Azure Arc:

Once SQL Server is installed, connect the Windows Server to Azure Arc using the Azure Connected Machine Agent.

This step enables Azure management capabilities for the on-premises server.

Apply PAYG Licensing via Azure Arc:

After the server is connected to Azure Arc, navigate to the Azure portal.

Go to Azure Arc > Servers, select your connected server, and under SQL Server Configuration, set the License Type to Pay-as-you-go.

This configuration switches the licensing model to PAYG, allowing you to manage SQL Server licensing through Azure without requiring a product key.

Evaluation Edition Limitations: The Evaluation Edition of SQL Server is limited to a 180-day period. After this period, you'll need to transition to a licensed edition. However, once connected to Azure Arc and configured for PAYG licensing, you can continue using SQL Server under the PAYG model without entering a product key.

Hope this helps!

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