Updated: July 15, 2020 (December 19, 2016)

Selecting an Edition of SQL Server 2016 SP1

Andrew analyzes and writes about Microsoft's data management, business intelligence, and machine learning solutions, as well as aspects of licensing... more

For most organizations, three editions of SQL Server 2016 should be considered when using the product in its primary roles of database server, reporting server, or analysis server. SQL Server editions are packaged such that each higher edition offers a unique set of features and limits built upon the features of the lower edition. Service Pack 1 (SP1), released in Nov. 2016, moves some performance and security features into lower editions; however, they come with constraints, and organizations must 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

Most organizations should evaluate the following three editions of SQL Server 2016 SP1 for use in a production environment:

SQL Server Express (free)
SQL Server Standard
SQL Server Enterprise.

A Developer edition provides the same technical features as Enterprise edition; however, its use is restricted to scenarios involving the design, development, test, and demonstration of software built on SQL Server, and it is not available for normal production use. The Developer edition is available for free through the Visual Studio Dev Essentials (VSDE) program or the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN).

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