Updated: July 16, 2020 (October 23, 2017)

SQL Server 2017 Licensing

Rob Horwitz analyzes and writes about Microsoft licensing programs and product licensing rules. He also trains organizations on best Microsoft... more

SQL Server 2017 became generally available in Sept. 2017. There were no changes to the product’s edition lineup, license models, or pricing. However, for the first time, several SQL Server components run on Linux OSs. This could reduce OS costs compared to Windows Server, and it gives customers a competitive alternative on Linux to Oracle’s database software. The version also consolidates licenses for R Server and other machine learning products.

Platform-Neutral Licenses Cover Use on Linux

Previous versions of SQL Server ran exclusively on Windows. SQL Server 2017’s database engine and Integration Services components can be deployed on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, and Ubuntu Linux. Other SQL Server components, such as Master Data Services, Analysis Services, and Reporting Services, are not yet supported on Linux.

SQL Server 2017 licenses associated with Standard, Enterprise, Developer, and Express editions are platform neutral, allowing customers to select the OS of their choice. (The one exception is Linux-specific subscription licenses that Microsoft is selling as part of a limited-time promotion.)

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