How Do You License SQL Server?

SQL Server is one of the (if not the) most complicated products from Microsoft to license. It is typically licensed per core, with different editions available to meet different needs and budgets, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.

To license SQL Server, you must purchase a license for each core on the server where you will install the software (although you may license physical cores or virtual cores if the SQL server is virtualized). The number of cores you need to license is based on the number of cores in the processor or the virtual cores, not the number of physical processors or sockets. Microsoft also has a 4 Core minimum, so even if the server or virtual SQL Instance is only 2 cores, you would have to license with 4 Cores.

There are several editions of SQL Server available, including:

  • Enterprise Edition: This is the most feature-rich and powerful edition of SQL Server. It is designed for mission-critical applications and large-scale data warehousing.
  • Standard Edition: This edition is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses and includes many of the same features as Enterprise Edition but with some limitations on scalability and performance.
  • Express Edition: This free edition of SQL Server is suitable for small applications and is limited to a single processor and 10 GB of database storage. Express is a free edition of SQL Server.
  • Developer Edition: This edition is a full-featured version of SQL Server licensed for development and testing. It cannot be used for production environments.

To purchase a license for SQL Server, you can contact a Microsoft reseller or visit the Microsoft website.

How Do You Count Cores For SQL Server Licensing On A Physical Server?

To count the cores for SQL Server licensing, you need to determine the number of cores in the processors where you will be installing the software. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Identify the servers where you will be installing SQL Server.
  2. Determine the number of processors in each server.
  3. Count the number of cores in each processor.
  4. Multiply the number of cores in each processor by the number of processors in the server, accounting for the fact that there is a 4 Core Minimum.
  5. Add the total number of cores for all servers where you will be installing SQL Server.

For example, if you have a server with 2 processors, each with 6 cores, the total number of cores for that server would be 12. If you have a second server with a single processor with 4 cores, the total number of cores for that server would be 4. The total number of cores for both servers would be 16.

You will need to purchase a license for each of these cores. SQL Server is typically licensed per core, with different editions available to meet different needs and budgets.

SQL Server is typically licensed

What Is The Minimum Number Of Cores You Need To License For A Physical Install of SQL Server?

The minimum number of cores you need to license for SQL Server depends on the edition of the software that you are using.

For the Standard and Enterprise editions, the minimum number of cores you need to license is 4 per physical processor. If you have a server with a single processor with 4 or more cores, you will need to purchase a license for at least 4. If you have a server with two processors, each with 4 or more cores, you will need to purchase a license for at least 8 cores (4 cores per processor).

For the Express edition, there is no minimum number of cores you need to license, as this edition is free and limited to a single processor and 10 GB of database storage.

It’s important to note that you need to license all the cores in the processors of the servers where you will be installing SQL Server, regardless of whether you will use all the cores.

How Do You License SQL in a Virtualized Environment?

In a virtualized environment, you must license SQL Server for each virtual machine (VM) running the software. You can use either the Physical Core-Based Licensing model or the Virtual Core-Based Licensing model to license SQL Servers in a virtualized environment.

Under the Physical Core-Based Licensing model, you must purchase a license for each physical core on the host server, regardless of the number of VMs or cores allocated to the VMs.

Under the Virtual Core-Based Licensing model, you must purchase a license for each virtual core (vCore) allocated to the VM. The number of vCores you need to license is based on the number of cores allocated to the VM, not the number of physical cores on the host server.

For both the Physical and Virtual models, you still need to purchase a minimum of 4 Cores.

To determine the number of vCores that you need to license for a VM, you can use the following formula:

Number of vCores = (Number of physical cores on the host server / Number of VMs on the host server) * Number of cores allocated to the VM

For example, if you have a host server with two processors, each with 6 cores, and you have two VMs running on the host server, with each VM allocated 2 cores, the number of vCores that you would need to license for each VM would be 4 (not 3 as you have a 4 core minimum to account for).

How Do I Optimize My SQL Server Licensing For Cost Savings

There are a few ways that you can optimize your SQL Server licensing for cost savings:

  1. Consider using the Virtual Core-Based Licensing model: If you are running SQL Server in a virtualized environment, you may save money using the Virtual Core-Based Licensing model instead of the Physical Core-Based Licensing model. Under this licensing model, you only need to purchase a license for the number of virtual cores (vCores) allocated to each virtual machine (VM) rather than a license for each physical core on the host server.  Don’t forget about the 4 core minimum rule when calculating this.
  2. Use the appropriate edition of SQL Server: Choose the edition of SQL Server that best meets your needs and budget. The Enterprise edition is the most feature-rich and powerful, and expensive. The Standard edition is suitable for many small to medium-sized businesses. It includes many of the same features as the Enterprise edition but with some limitations on scalability and performance. The Express edition is free for small applications and limited to a single processor and 10 GB of database storage.
  3. Optimize your hardware: Consider using processors with fewer cores or allocating fewer cores to each VM. This can help you reduce the number of cores that you need to license and save money on your SQL Server licenses.
  4. Use software assurance: Consider purchasing software assurance for your SQL Server licenses. Software Assurance (SA) is needed when there is server mobility occurring in a virtual environment (or to be allowed to use on 3rd party clouds – check the rules before deploying to any 3rd party cloud).  The SA allows a virtual SQL Server to move between hosts and have the licenses follow it. This is a very complicated license scenario, and you need to ensure you understand the rules when calculating requirements.  SA also gives you access to new software versions as they are released.
  5. Use the cloud provider’s licensing: If you are running SQL Server in a public cloud environment, such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS), you may save money by using the cloud provider’s licensing instead of purchasing your own licenses. Azure and AWS offer pay-as-you-go pricing for SQL Server, allowing you to only pay for the resources you use. This can be a cost-effective option, especially if you have variable or unpredictable workloads.

Use the cloud provider's licensing

How a software asset management (SAM) tool such as MetrixData 360’s SQL Server License Optimization Tool can help you optimize your SQL Server licensing:

  • License optimization: A SAM tool can help you optimize your SQL Server licensing by identifying underutilized licenses and recommending consolidation or redistribution. This can help you save money on your SQL Server licenses by ensuring you are not paying for more than you need.
  • Compliance reporting: A SAM tool can help track your SQL Server usage and ensure that you comply with your licensing agreements. It can provide you with reports that show how you are using your licenses and help you identify any potential compliance issues.
  • Software usage tracking: A SAM tool can help you track your SQL Server usage and identify opportunities for cost savings. It can provide reports on your usage patterns and help you understand how you use your licenses. This can help you identify underutilized licenses and make informed decisions about your licensing strategy.

How IT Departments Can Navigate the Complexities of Windows and SQL Server Licensing

As technology evolves and organizations become more reliant on it, managing software licenses and deployments has become increasingly complex and critical. Microsoft’s Windows and SQL Server are among the most widely used software platforms, making it essential for IT departments to ensure that they are adequately licensed and optimized. This is where MetrixData 360’s Microsoft True Up Support comes in.

Our Microsoft True Up Support is designed to help IT departments navigate the complexities of Windows and SQL Server licensing and optimize their deployments for maximum efficiency and cost savings. With our team of licensing experts and powerful tools, we can help you ensure that you comply with Microsoft’s licensing requirements and take advantage of all the benefits your licenses offer.

One of our clients, a Fortune 500 Customer, saw significant benefits from using our Microsoft True Up Support. The Director of Infrastructure at this organization stated, “MetrixData 360’s Microsoft True Up Support provided us with the expert guidance and tools we needed to optimize our Windows and SQL Server licenses. We reduced our licensing costs by over 30% and ensured that we fully complied with Microsoft’s requirements. The value we received from this service was tremendous, and I highly recommend it to any organization looking to optimize their Microsoft licenses.”

SQL Server Deployments And Additional Tools

 

In addition to expert guidance and powerful tools, our Microsoft True Up Support also includes the following:

  • A comprehensive assessment of your current Windows and SQL Server deployments
  • A report outlining any compliance risks or inefficiencies in your current licensing and deployment strategies
  • Recommendations for optimizing your licenses and deployments for cost savings and efficiency
  • Ongoing support to ensure that you are fully up-to-date with the latest licensing requirements and best practices

We understand the importance of accessing reliable and accurate information when managing software licenses. That’s why we are dedicated to providing IT departments with the expert guidance and tools they need to optimize their Microsoft licenses and deployments. Our Microsoft True Up Support is a cost-effective solution that can help you save time, money, and resources while ensuring that your organization fully complies with Microsoft’s licensing requirements.

Customers Reviews On Microsoft Licensing and Microsoft True-Up Support

Customer quote 1: “MetrixData 360’s Microsoft True Up Support was a game-changer for our organization. The team provided a comprehensive assessment of our current licensing and deployment strategies. It recommended several cost-saving measures that we would never have thought of. The tools and support that we received have made it much easier for us to manage our licenses and ensure compliance with Microsoft’s requirements.” – CIO, a large financial services organization.

Customer quote 2: “We have been using MetrixData 360’s Microsoft True Up Support for several years, and it has been an invaluable resource for our IT department. The team’s expertise and attention to detail have allowed us to optimize our Windows and SQL Server licenses and reduce our costs significantly. We highly recommend this service to any organization looking to manage their Microsoft licenses effectively.” – IT Manager, a large healthcare organization.

At MetrixData 360, we aim to help organizations like yours achieve the greatest value from their Microsoft office licenses. Our Microsoft True Up Support provides you with the expert guidance, tools, and support you need to optimize your deployments and ensure that you fully comply with Microsoft’s licensing requirements.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our Microsoft True Up Support can help your IT department, we would be happy to arrange a consultation with one of our experts. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at MetricData 360 to schedule a time that is convenient for you. Alternatively, click here and answer the questionnaire.

SLIM 360: The Only Tool You Need to Control Licensing Costs

Harness the Data You Need to Optimize Your Software Licensing

MetrixData 360 and SLIM 360, as software licensing management tools, provide the data you need to optimize your software licensing, reduce costs, and ensure compliance. With comprehensive and customized reporting, you can gain visibility into utilizing all your software assets and make informed decisions about the software you acquire.

 

The software industry is making incredible strides at all ends of the spectrum, bringing new challenges that organizations, large and small, must act on to remain competitive. One of the most critical areas executives must monitor license compliance. Ensuring your organization complies with thousands of software titles can become a nightmare. However, there’s finally a solution to this problem: SLIM 360.

Unlock Powerful Insights

SLIM 360: Manage Licensing Costs

MetrixData 360 and SLIM 360 software tools offer potent insights into utilizing your assets, helping you make informed decisions about software acquisition and usage. A comprehensive dashboard and detailed reporting allow you to monitor usage, track compliance easily, and identify cost-reduction opportunities.

Reduce Your Software Costs

Reduce Your Software Costs

With our software procurement solution, you can quickly reduce your software costs by taking advantage of volume discounts and other cost-saving measures. Our software procurement solution makes it easy to stay on top of your software costs and ensures that you always get the best deals on software licenses.

 

Say Goodbye to Manual Software Tracking

Say Goodbye to Manual Software Tracking

Manually tracking software licenses and costs is a time-consuming process that can be difficult to keep up with. With our software procurement solution, you can easily keep track of your software licenses, costs, and contracts in one place. You’ll have access to real-time data on your software usage and can make informed decisions about your IT procurement strategy.

Simplify Your Procurement Process

Our software procurement solution simplifies the procurement process by automating the process of purchasing software licenses. Our intuitive interface makes tracking your software licenses and costs easy and ensures you have the proper licenses for your organization. With our software procurement solution, you can rest assured that you’re always up-to-date with your software licensing agreement and costs.

Optimize Your Software Licenses

Software licenses can be complicated and expensive. Mike Austin, an experienced director who knows the challenges of managing software licenses and costs, decided there was a need for a software licensing management tool that users needed to provide the data needed to optimize their software licensing agreement and reduce cost.

 

With Mike Austin’s help, you can ensure you get the most out of your licenses. Mike will review your current licenses, identify opportunities for savings, and help you get the best deals for your next software purchase.

 

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It’s no news that there are many ways to save money on your software licensing. But how do you know which one will be best for you? Are they worth the investment? What if you invest, but it never pays off? These are all questions that software buyers may have in mind, and SLIM 360 aims to provide insight into the answers.

 

Get a Health Check Today!  

 

Want to understand your software costs? The ability to document past decisions, current status, and future projections means that you’ll have a much more effective discussion with your team members to look at your options and make an informed decision. 

 

So, book a call here: https://calendly.com/herb-addis/slim-360-poc-demo?utm_campaign=Office%20365%20Proof%20of%20Savings&utm_source=PDF&utm_medium=O365_PDF_Button&utm_content=Proof_of_Savings_One-Pager&month=2023-03 

How IT Departments Can Navigate the Complexities of Windows and SQL Server Licensing with Microsoft True Up Support

As technology continues to evolve and organizations become more reliant on it, managing software licenses and deployments has become increasingly complex and critical. Microsoft’s Windows and SQL Server are among the most widely used software platforms, making it essential for IT departments to ensure that they are adequately licensed and optimized. This is where MetrixData 360’s Microsoft True Up Support comes in.

Our Microsoft True Up Support is designed to help IT departments navigate the complexities of Windows and SQL Server licensing and optimize their deployments for maximum efficiency and cost savings. With our team of licensing experts and powerful tools, we can help you ensure that you comply with Microsoft’s licensing requirements and take advantage of all the benefits your licenses offer.

One of our clients, a Fortune 500 Customer, saw significant benefits from using our Microsoft True Up Support. The Director of Infrastructure at this organization stated, “MetrixData 360’s Microsoft True Up Support provided us with the expert guidance and tools we needed to optimize our Windows and SQL Server licenses. We reduced our licensing costs by over 30% and ensured that we fully complied with Microsoft’s requirements. The value we received from this service was tremendous, and I highly recommend it to any organization looking to optimize their Microsoft licenses.”

SQL Server licenses

SQL Server Deployments And Additional Tools

In addition to expert guidance and powerful tools, our Microsoft True Up Support also includes the following:

  • A comprehensive assessment of your current Windows and SQL Server deployments
  • A report outlining any compliance risks or inefficiencies in your current licensing and deployment strategies
  • Recommendations for optimizing your licenses and deployments for cost savings and efficiency
  • Ongoing support to ensure that you are fully up-to-date with the latest licensing requirements and best practices

We understand the importance of accessing reliable and accurate information when managing software licenses. That’s why we are dedicated to providing IT departments with the expert guidance and tools they need to optimize their Microsoft licenses and deployments. Our Microsoft True Up Support is a cost-effective solution that can help you save time, money, and resources while ensuring that your organization fully complies with Microsoft’s licensing requirements.

Customers Reviews On Microsoft Licensing and Microsoft True-Up Support

Customer quote 1: “MetrixData 360’s Microsoft True Up Support was a game-changer for our organization. The team provided a comprehensive assessment of our current licensing and deployment strategies. It recommended several cost-saving measures that we would never have thought of. The tools and support that we received have made it much easier for us to manage our licenses and ensure compliance with Microsoft’s requirements.” – CIO, a large financial services organization.

Customer quote 2: “We have been using MetrixData 360’s Microsoft True Up Support for several years, and it has been an invaluable resource for our IT department. The team’s expertise and attention to detail have allowed us to optimize our Windows and SQL Server licenses and reduce our costs significantly. We highly recommend this service to any organization looking to manage their Microsoft licenses effectively.” – IT Manager, a large healthcare organization.

At MetrixData 360, we aim to help organizations like yours achieve the greatest value from their Microsoft Office licenses. Our Microsoft True Up Support provides expert guidance, tools, and support to optimize your deployments and fully comply with Microsoft’s licensing requirements.

If you want to learn more about how our Microsoft True Up Support can help your IT department, we would happily arrange a consultation with one of our experts. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at MetricData 360 to schedule a convenient time. Alternatively, click here and answer the questionnaire.