Updated: July 14, 2020 (September 9, 2013)

Selecting an Edition of SQL Server 2012

Wes Miller analyzes and writes about Microsoft’s security, identity management, and systems management technologies. Before joining Directions on Microsoft, Wes... more

[June 2, 2014 note: A more recent version of this report, updated to reflect licensing changes, can be found at www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/research/secured/2014/06/sql-server-2014-evaluation-guide-selecting-edition-sql-server-2014.]

For most organizations, there are four editions of SQL Server 2012 to consider when using the product in its primary roles of database server, reporting server, or analysis or data-mining server. SQL Server editions are packaged such that each higher edition offers a unique set of features built upon the features of the lower edition. To make an effective decision, organizations must first understand the role SQL Server is to be used for and how the features and capabilities included in an edition align with that role.

SQL Server Editions and Roles

There are four editions of SQL Server 2012 for most organizations to consider:

SQL Server Express (free)
SQL Server Standard
SQL Server Business Intelligence (BI)
SQL Server Enterprise

While the licensing details of each edition differ, teams building applications need to consider an edition’s features and the role for the server prior to considering whether the licensing details are compatible with their business requirements.

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