Understanding SQL Server 2012 Licensing

Hello Dev, welcome to this article on understanding SQL Server 2012 licensing. In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about licensing to ensure you make the best decision for your business needs. SQL Server 2012 is a powerful and popular database management system that allows for efficient data storage and retrieval, and understanding how to correctly license it is essential.

What is SQL Server 2012 Licensing?

SQL Server 2012 licensing refers to the various options available for licensing SQL Server 2012 software. SQL Server 2012 can be licensed through a variety of options depending on your business needs. The most common options include:

1. Per core licensing
2. Server and Client Access License (CAL) licensing
3. SQL Server 2012 Developer Edition

Per Core Licensing

Per core licensing is a popular licensing option where the license is based on the number of cores that are used in the server. This is a good option for businesses that have a high number of users or require a lot of processing power. With per core licensing, you will need to purchase a license for each core that the SQL Server will be running on. This can be expensive, but it can also be a good investment for businesses that require a lot of processing power.

One of the benefits of per core licensing is that it allows you to use the full capabilities of SQL Server 2012, including Business Intelligence features. This licensing option is also very flexible, as you can easily scale up or down depending on your business needs.

Server and Client Access License (CAL) Licensing

Server and Client Access License (CAL) licensing is another popular licensing option for SQL Server 2012. With this option, you will need to purchase a server license and a CAL for each user or device that intends to use the SQL Server. This licensing option is a good choice for businesses that have a small number of users or devices that need to use the SQL Server.

One of the benefits of server and CAL licensing is that it is a very cost-effective option for businesses with a small number of users. This licensing option also offers a lot of flexibility, as you can easily add or remove CALs depending on your business needs.

SQL Server 2012 Developer Edition

SQL Server 2012 Developer Edition is a free version of SQL Server 2012 that is available for developers to use. This version is intended for use in development and testing environments, and is not intended for production use. This edition offers full SQL Server 2012 functionality, including Business Intelligence features.

This edition is a good option for businesses that need to develop and test applications that will be using SQL Server 2012. It is important to note that you cannot use the developer edition for production use, and that you will need to purchase a license for the full version of SQL Server 2012.

SQL Server 2012 Licensing FAQs

How do I know which licensing option to choose?

The licensing option that you should choose will depend on your business needs. If you have a high number of users or require a lot of processing power, per core licensing may be the best option. If you have a small number of users, server and CAL licensing may be a better choice. If you are a developer, the developer edition is the best choice for development and testing environments.

Can I switch between licensing options?

Yes, you can switch between licensing options if your business needs change. This can be done by purchasing new licenses or upgrading your existing licenses.

What happens if I do not have the correct license?

If you do not have the correct license for SQL Server 2012, you may be at risk for non-compliance. This can result in legal and financial consequences for your business. It is important to ensure that you have the correct license for your business needs.

Can I install SQL Server 2012 on multiple servers?

You can install SQL Server 2012 on multiple servers, but you will need to purchase a license for each server that you install it on. This is true for all licensing options.

What kind of support is available for SQL Server 2012 licensing?

Microsoft offers a variety of support options for SQL Server 2012 licensing. This includes online resources, community forums, and phone support. It is important to ensure that you have the correct license for your business needs, and to take advantage of the support options available if you need assistance.

Conclusion

SQL Server 2012 licensing is an essential aspect of using this powerful database management system. There are a variety of licensing options available, including per core licensing, server and CAL licensing, and the developer edition. It is important to choose the correct licensing option for your business needs and to ensure that you remain in compliance with licensing requirements. If you have any questions or need assistance with licensing, Microsoft offers a variety of support options to help you make the best decision for your business.