Can I use SQL Server Management Studio with SQL 2016 Express Edition for managing data used within the organization

Question

We have Biometric devices across multiple of our branches from where we collect attendance data on a cloud server running SQL 2016 Express Edition. Can we use SQL Server Management Studio along with it?

We are only collecting information within the organization and using to process attendance for payroll processing of our employees.

The EULA of SQL Server Management Studio states - "You may not use the software for commercial software hosting services."

Will our usage fall under such use and will we be required to take a license for SQL?

Answer 1

I am not a license specialist and this is no legal advice but from my experience and understanding:

How would you manage a SQL Server (no matter which edition!) without SSMS and from your description your are NOT a "commercial hosting service"
So yes, you can use the SQL Server Management Studio with your SQL Server 2016 Express edition.

Answer 2

Hi Bjoern Peters,

best of knowledge in Microsoft licensing SQL Express edition has limitations and does allow fully version all features or packages. clearly mention on SQL Server Management Studio - License Terms that The software is licensed, not sold. please connect to License expert or SAM expert who can help us this query. Even I do not have any SQL server version license can i use it.

waiting a positive reply from License expert.

Answer 3

Hi @Manuj Dua [DEL] ，

Of course, you can. SSMS is a free application and an integrated environment for managing any SQL infrastructure. SQL Server express is a free Edition and the license is generally provided to enterprise and standard.

If you have any question and want some help with license.
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.
For international customers, please use the https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/worldwide to find contact information in your locations.
For Volume Licensing Service Support, please use the https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/contact-us to contact information for your country.

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Answer 4

Hello Yufeishao

The SSMS licensing terms does mention that its a free tool, please see the link below. Request check with below lines....
4. SCOPE OF LICENSE. The software is licensed, not sold. This agreement only gives you some rights to use the software. Microsoft reserves all other rights.

Yes, I am agree to your point license is generally provided to enterprise and standard only. if you have this original license copy then you can may use additional features or tools available in Microsoft site.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/Legal/sql/sql-server-management-studio-license-terms

One more terms make us little confusion, can you focus on below lines.

"You may not use the software for commercial software hosting services. "

please help us.

Answer 5

Hi @Tarun Sarangi ,

I am sorry I have told you what I know, this is a technical community forum, it is not within our competence to deal with about license or other terms, etc.
Just like you said, you need to consult professionals in this area, contact information has been provided, I am sorry I could not help you.

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