Additional SQL Server features and topics not covered by specific categories
Hi @m-hiko,
Not always, but in most practical cloud or VM deployment scenarios (especially when bringing your own license, wanting flexibility, moving between servers, or licensing individual VMs), having Software Assurance (SA) or a subscription-equivalent license becomes effectively mandatory to stay compliant and keep cost efficiency.
If you use license-included SQL Server instances (for example, pay-as-you-go images from the cloud marketplace), then SA isn’t required. But if you plan to bring your own license (BYOL) to a shared cloud like AWS, Azure, or GCP, you usually need SA for License Mobility and other benefits.
If you can share which cloud provider and deployment type (VM, container, managed service, etc.) you’re using, we can check the exact requirement for your case.
Thanks,
Akhil.