Subject: Inquiry Regarding SQL Server Licensing for Equipment Delivered to Overseas Customers

Question

Dear Microsoft Team,

Hello.

We are currently reviewing the appropriate Microsoft SQL Server licensing model for equipment supplied to our customers.

Our company manufactures inspection equipment and installs Microsoft SQL Server on PCs embedded within the equipment. These systems are supplied to customers as part of a complete equipment package, including deliveries to overseas customers.

We are currently evaluating whether SQL Server 2022 Standard Edition or SQL Server IoT would be the more appropriate licensing model for this type of environment.

In particular, we would like to understand whether SQL Server Standard Edition may be installed on PCs embedded within equipment and supplied to overseas end customers as part of a complete equipment package, and whether such use complies with Microsoft's licensing requirements and recommended licensing practices.

We would also appreciate guidance on the following:

Whether SQL Server 2022 Standard Edition is generally considered an appropriate licensing model for this scenario.

Whether SQL Server IoT is recommended or required for this type of deployment.

Any applicable Microsoft licensing guidance, Product Terms, EULA references, OEM policy documents, or other official documentation related to this scenario.

Any publicly shareable guidance or examples regarding equipment manufacturers deploying SQL Server as part of systems delivered to end customers.

Any information, references, or examples you can provide would be greatly appreciated and will assist us in our internal review.

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,

Harrison Kim Corning NanoProtech Co., Ltd.

Answer 1

as suggested you should contact Microsoft directly for export restrictions.

I think that SQL Server IOT license makes more sense than Standard. Though as suggested you might consider SQL Server Express.

note: SQL Server IOT no longer support arm64, so be sure the hosting pc is an intel.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, I don't think this is a good place to ask these questions. This is a public forum, and what you describe sounds to me like something that would be detailed in a agreement between your company and Microsoft, and goes without saying that such agreements are made in public.

However, I have one question: How big do you expect these databases to be? From what you describe, Express Edition sounds like a good choice. With SQL 2022, the database size for Express Edition is capped to 10 GB. But! In SQL 2025, this limit has been raised to 50 GB. So could that be an option for you?

When it comes to SQL Server IoT, I am not very familiar with that offering, but I did some quick googling, and I found https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/iotblog/announcing-sql-server-iot-2022/3672116. That certainly seems to be a fit for your situation. I get a little concerned, though, that I don't seem to find the same about SQL 2025 IoT from Microsoft. I found a third-party vendor who claimed to have it.

In any case, I would recommend you to contact your local Microsoft representative for a more detailed discussion.