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SQL Server 2014 Standard edition shows Windows 10 as compatible OS. SQL Server allows a maximum 32767 concurrent connections concurrent connections, but Windows 10 OS has a limit on concurrent connections for file & printer and the limit appears to be 20.
We checked the official FAQ at "*http://download.microsoft.com/download/A/5/9/A599711B-6807-4757-B38D-1EE269F2F19B/FAQs-Product-Licensing.pdf*".
Can I use Windows Pro or Enterprise like a "server" to host applications?
No. The Windows desktop operating system can't be used as a "server." Device connection is allowed only for certain purposes (such as File Services, Print Services, Internet Information Services, Internet Connection Sharing, and Telephony Services).
As mentioned in windows 10 license terms
Device connections.
You may allow up to 20 other devices to access the software installed on the licensed device for the purpose of using the following software features: file services, print services, Internet information services, and Internet connection sharing and telephony services on the licensed device. You may allow any number of devices to access the software on the licensed device to synchronize data between devices. This section does not mean, however, that you have the right to install the software, or use the primary function of the software (other than the features listed in this section), on any of these other devices."
The Device connections section mentions "You may allow any number of devices to access the software on the licensed device to synchronize data between devices."
Does this mean that the 20 concurrent connection limit of Windows 10 does not apply to SQL server that is hosted on it? Since it is TCP connection, I don’t think any technical limitation is there. But would it be allowed legally as well?
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Now think about it, the only drawback on using "Win10 Pro" when compared with other Windows Server SKUs on hosting SQL Server seems to be on the fact that "Win10 Pro" supports max. of 2 CPU sockets only. All other limits seems to be untouchable by most people in at least a few years.
I would also be interested to know what are the other reasons on choosing Server SKUs over Client SKUs.
I don't think CAL matters as if so, Microsoft would now be free to sue anyone who don't have Enterprise Licensing but dare to use Microsoft Teams/Zoom/Discord/Twitch.
EDIT: Also the components needed for clustering SQL server, but that's not always required too.
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No. The limits on file & printer connections has nothing to do with any other process on the server, including SQL Server.
Yup. @test code seems to confuse the number of resource connection (used on counting CAL license of OS) than the actual capability of the OS.
Think about it, if you know users of BitTorrent or other P2P software on Win10 have hundreds or even thousands of concurrent TCP connections at any given time, you would understand any number as low as 20 should be irrelevant.