Double licensing while migrating SQL server

Question

Hi all.

I am migrating a SQL server 2012 ENT windows cluster to a SQL server 2019 AG setup. The Licenses of the 2012 ENT is core lisences with software assurance and can be upgraded to 2019.

Do we have a grace period where we can configure and test the new SQL server environment with the application ( no production load what-so-ever ) without buying an extra set of licenses ?
What is the normal procedures in this situation that must be relevant for SQL server customers all the time while upgrading ?

We would like to avoid buying a set of licenses for the new system that is not needed afterwards :)

Answer 1

Hi @agepeder ,

> Do we have a grace period where we can configure and test the new SQL server environment with the application ( no production load what-so-ever ) without buying an extra set of licenses ?

When you install SQL server 2019 just for test purpose. You can use SQL server Evaluation edition, it includes all the functionality of Enterprise edition, but it just for a 180-day trial. Or you can use SQL server 2019 developer edition, it includes all the functionality of Enterprise edition, but is licensed for use as a development and test system, not as a production server. SQL Server Developer is an ideal choice for people who build and test applications. Developer edition do not have time limit. They are all free.

If you want to upgrade SQL 2012 to SQL 2019, you need to apply SP4 for SQL 2012, then upgrade SQL 2012 SP4 to SQL 2019. Refer to MS document Upgrades from earlier versions to SQL Server 2019 (15.x).

But for SQL server License question, I suggest that you can consult professionals in this area. please call 1-800-426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time) to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist. Or you can go to Volume Licensing Service Center support. Please choose region/language and choose to call or have web. People there will help you more effectively.

Hope this could help you.

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Answer 2

This is a technical forum, and license questions are legal issues - and they go way over head of the techie people who hang out here.

My gut feeling is that you don't to buy any extra licenses, since as long as you are not in production on SQL 2019, you could essentially use Developer Edition.

However to get an authoritative answer, you need to contact your local Microsoft representative.