SQL Server 2012 Licensing Rules Explained

Independent Microsoft licensing experts dissect changes

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Mar 15, 2012, 02:00 ET

KIRKLAND, Wash., March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SQL Server 2012, the newest version of Microsoft's database server application, just shipped. The new version introduces a variety of highly compelling enhancements in areas such as disaster recovery, business intelligence, and database application management. It also introduces packaging, pricing and licensing changes that will have a material impact on the decisions of IT planners and procurement professionals, including:

Per-core licensing vs. the old per-processor licensing
A new "BI Edition" and the elimination of the old "Data Center Edition"
New virtualization rules contingent on Software Assure

Directions on Microsoft licensing analysts Rob Horwitz and Wes Miller will explain the new pricing, packaging and licensing rules for SQL Server 2012 and answer audience questions during a live webinar at 10:00 a.m. PDT on March 22nd, 2012.

Those interested in participating in the SQL Server Licensing Webinar can register at: www.DirectionsOnMicrosoft.com/SQL_Server_Licensing

"It's hard to understate the cost implications and other effects of these changes," says Directions on Microsoft founder and licensing authority Rob Horwitz. "It will even impact what hardware customers buy to run SQL Server and sometimes even when the hardware is purchased."

According to Horwitz, "the transition issues for existing SQL Server customers are especially tricky and are largely determined by how the customer licensed SQL Server in the past." Whether a customer chose to buy earlier versions of SQL Server under a per-processor licensing model or under a server + Client Access Licenses (CALs) model has significant implications. Also key is whether or not a customer has licenses covered by Software Assurance (SA), and if so, when the SA term ends as well as whether SA was purchased through Select programs or through an Enterprise Agreement (EA). Depending on customer circumstances, some options for reducing costs and minimizing compliance exposure are very time sensitive.

About Directions on Microsoft
Directions on Microsoft is an independent IT analyst firm focused exclusively on Microsoft technologies since 1992. Directions is best known for its Microsoft Enterprise Software Roadmaps and Microsoft Licensing Guides. Their two-day Microsoft Licensing Boot Camp provides graduate-level training on how to effectively license Microsoft products such as Windows Server, Exchange, SharePoint, SQL Server and Office.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Directions on Microsoft