SQL Server Licensing Models

Unlike other Microsoft products, SQL Server is licensed under more than one model. For production scenarios, several editions of SQL Server provide customers with a choice between server-CAL and per-processor licensing models. When used in conjunction with certain System Center products, SQL Server can also be licensed as part of special bundles. Furthermore, development and test scenarios can be licensed with Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) and TechNet subscriptions or with a special SQL Server Developer edition license, each billed per-user. Some usage scenarios offer customers the opportunity to choose, and their selection can have a significant impact on licensing cost, compliance overhead, and future flexibility.

Choosing Between Server-CAL and Per Processor

Under the server-CAL model, an organization purchases a (SQL Server) server license for each physical server and a CAL for each client user or device. (See the illustration “Using the Server-CAL Model to License SQL Server“.) And, under the per-processor model, an organization buys a SQL Server processor license for each physical processor in the server; no CALs are necessary. (See the illustration “Using the Per-Processor Model to License SQL Server“.) More server licenses or processor licenses may be required under virtualization scenarios, depending on the edition of SQL Server being used and the quantity of VMs being hosted.