Understanding the Cost of SQL Server 2012

Welcome Dev, in this article we will delve into the cost of SQL Server 2012. SQL Server 2012 is a popular database management system used by businesses of all sizes. It offers many features and tools that help businesses to manage their data effectively. In this article, we will explore the cost of SQL Server 2012 and the different factors that affect its price.

Factors Affecting the Cost of SQL Server 2012

The cost of SQL Server 2012 depends on various factors. In this section, we will discuss these factors in detail.

Editions of SQL Server 2012

SQL Server 2012 comes in different editions, each with its own set of features and pricing. The editions of SQL Server 2012 are:

Edition
Description
Price
Express
A free edition that has limited features and is intended for small-scale applications.
Free
Standard
An edition that offers basic database management features suitable for small and medium businesses.
Starting from $3,717
Business Intelligence
An edition that focuses on business intelligence features such as data mining, reporting, and analytics.
Starting from $13,969
Enterprise
An edition that offers advanced features such as high availability, scalability, and security.
Starting from $28,024

The pricing of each edition varies based on the actual number of cores used and the number of users.

Licensing

The licensing model of SQL Server 2012 also affects its cost. There are two types of licensing models: per core and per user. Per core licensing requires businesses to pay for the number of cores used in their server, while per user licensing requires businesses to pay for the number of users who will use the database.

Support and Maintenance

SQL Server 2012 also involves additional costs for support and maintenance. Businesses can purchase a support plan that provides assistance for issues related to the database. The cost of the support plan depends on the level of support and the duration of the plan.

SQL Server 2012 Cost Comparison

In this section, we will compare the cost of SQL Server 2012 with its alternatives.

MySQL

MySQL is a popular open-source database management system. It is free to use, and there are no license fees involved. However, businesses may have to pay for support and maintenance.

Oracle

Oracle is a widely-used database management system. The cost of Oracle varies based on the edition used and the number of users. The Standard Edition costs $17,500 per processor, while the Enterprise Edition costs $47,500 per processor.

PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is a free, open-source database management system. Businesses may have to pay for support and maintenance.

FAQs

What is the cheapest edition of SQL Server 2012?

The Express edition is the cheapest edition of SQL Server 2012, as it is free to use. However, it has limited features and is intended for small-scale applications.

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Can I switch from one edition to another?

Yes, businesses can switch from one edition of SQL Server 2012 to another. However, they may have to pay additional fees for the new edition and may require the help of a database administrator to make the switch.

Can I get a trial version of SQL Server 2012?

Yes, businesses can download a free trial version of SQL Server 2012 from Microsoft’s website. The trial version is valid for 180 days.

Is support and maintenance mandatory for SQL Server 2012?

No, support and maintenance for SQL Server 2012 is optional. However, businesses may benefit from purchasing a support plan, especially if they are not familiar with the database management system.

What is the difference between per core and per user licensing?

Per core licensing requires businesses to pay for the number of cores used in their server, while per user licensing requires businesses to pay for the number of users who will use the database.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of SQL Server 2012 depends on various factors such as the edition used, licensing model, and support and maintenance. By understanding these factors, businesses can make an informed decision on whether SQL Server 2012 is the right database management system for them. We hope that this article has provided valuable insights into the cost of SQL Server 2012 and its alternatives.