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Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Licensing Overview

This release of SQL represents significant enhancements and innovations that will help clients take advantage of big data, cloud computing, and mission-critical features with favorable TCO.

As part of the SQL Server 2012 release, Microsoft has simplified its product lineup down to three main editions:

  • SQL Server 2012 Enterprise
  • SQL Server 2012 Business Intelligence – NEW!
  • SQL Server 2012 Standard
In addition Microsoft has updated the licensing model for SQL Server. The updates reflect trends in the database industry and technology shifts - such as virtualization, private cloud, and public cloud computing.

Top Things to Know About the Release of SQL 2012...
  • New Licensing Model - Per Physical Processor Licensing replaced by Per CORE Licensing. While changing the editions at the release of the new version is not a new move for Microsoft, changing the licensing model is. Microsoft's goal in doing this is to bring SQL in line with its competitors who license by the core rather than physical processor.
We recommend reviewing the key changes outlined below and in the licensing datasheet and then setting up a meeting with your local software consultant to put together a SQL purchasing strategy for 2012.


Core Licensing

A minimum of 4 Core Licenses are required per processor. Every Core within the Server will need to be licensed.

When licensing a Virtual Machine, only the Cores used in the virtual environment will need to be licensed. A minimum of 4 Cores per VM will need to be licensed. If the customer wants unlimited virtual instances, they would need to purchase SQL Enterprise Edition with Software Assurance and they must license all the Cores on the hardware. SQL Server Standard or Enterprise with SA will have full mobility rights.