How Much Does SQL Server 2012 Cost? A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Hey Dev, are you planning to upgrade to SQL Server 2012? Before you make any decision, it’s important to know the cost involved. In this article, we’ll break down the pricing structure of SQL Server 2012, including the various licensing options available. So, let’s dive in!

Understanding SQL Server 2012 Editions

SQL Server 2012 offers four main editions – Enterprise, Business Intelligence, Standard, and Express. Each edition has unique features and capabilities, and the pricing varies accordingly.

Enterprise Edition

The Enterprise edition is the most comprehensive edition of SQL Server, with advanced features such as data warehousing, advanced analytics, and high availability options. It’s designed for large enterprises with complex data needs. Here’s the pricing breakdown:

Number of Cores	License Cost
2	$14,256
4	$28,292
6	$42,306
8	$56,320
10	$70,334

Note that these costs are per core, and a minimum of four cores is required. Additionally, Enterprise edition requires Software Assurance, which adds an additional 25% of the licensing cost annually.

Business Intelligence Edition

The Business Intelligence edition is designed for organizations that need to build and deploy business intelligence solutions. It includes features such as reporting, analysis, and data mining. Here’s the pricing breakdown:

Number of Cores	License Cost
2	$13,748
4	$27,240
6	$40,680
8	$54,120
10	$67,560

Similar to Enterprise edition, Business Intelligence edition also requires Software Assurance, which adds an additional 25% of the licensing cost annually.

Standard Edition

The Standard edition is designed for small to mid-sized organizations that require basic database management and reporting capabilities. It includes features such as backup and restore, data integration, and basic analytics. Here’s the pricing breakdown:

Number of Cores	License Cost
2	$3,717
4	$7,383
6	$11,049
8	$14,715
10	$18,381

Unlike Enterprise and Business Intelligence editions, Standard edition does not require Software Assurance.

Express Edition

The Express edition is a free entry-level edition of SQL Server that is suitable for small-scale applications with moderate database sizes. However, it comes with limited features compared to other editions. If you need advanced features, you may consider upgrading to Standard or higher editions.

SQL Server 2012 Licensing Options

SQL Server 2012 offers three main licensing options – Server + CAL, Processor, and Core. Let’s explore each option in detail:

Server + CAL Licensing

With Server + CAL licensing, you purchase a server license and client access licenses according to the number of users or devices that will access the server. This licensing option is suitable for organizations that have a small number of users or devices, and there is no need for advanced features that require per-core licensing. The Server + CAL licensing option is available for Standard and Business Intelligence editions only.

Processor Licensing

With Processor licensing, you license each processor socket in the server, regardless of the number of cores. This licensing option is suitable for organizations that have a large number of users and devices that access the server, and there is a need for advanced features that require per-core licensing. The Processor licensing option is available for Enterprise, Standard, and Business Intelligence editions.

Core Licensing

With Core licensing, you license the number of cores in the server. This licensing option is suitable for organizations that have a moderate number of users and devices that access the server, and there is a need for advanced features that require per-core licensing. The Core licensing option is available for Enterprise, Standard, and Business Intelligence editions.

FAQ

Q: Does SQL Server 2012 come with Software Assurance?

A: Software Assurance is an optional add-on for SQL Server 2012. However, it is required for Enterprise and Business Intelligence editions.

Q: Can I upgrade my SQL Server 2012 edition?

A: Yes, you can upgrade to a higher edition of SQL Server 2012 at any time. However, you need to purchase the required license and follow the upgrade process.

Q: Can I use SQL Server 2012 Express in production environments?

A: Yes, you can use SQL Server 2012 Express in production environments. However, it has limitations on database size and features compared to other editions.

Q: Can I use SQL Server 2012 Developer edition in production environments?

A: No, you cannot use SQL Server 2012 Developer edition in production environments. It’s intended for development and testing purposes only.

Q: Can I purchase SQL Server 2012 licenses on a subscription basis?

A: Yes, you can purchase SQL Server 2012 licenses on a subscription basis through programs such as Microsoft CSP and Azure Marketplace.

Conclusion

Choosing the right edition and licensing option for SQL Server 2012 can be challenging, but with the information provided in this article, we hope you have a better understanding of the pricing structure and options available. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, SQL Server 2012 has an edition and licensing option that meets your needs. Happy upgrading!