Everything You Need to Know About Purchasing SQL Server

Welcome, Dev! If you’re looking to purchase SQL Server, you’ve come to the right place. SQL Server is a powerful database management system that can help your organization store, manage, and analyze large amounts of data. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about purchasing SQL Server, from the benefits of using it to the different licensing options available to you.

What is SQL Server?

SQL Server is a relational database management system created by Microsoft. It’s designed to help organizations store and manage large amounts of structured and unstructured data. SQL Server is used by companies of all sizes and across all industries, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

The Benefits of Using SQL Server

There are many benefits to using SQL Server, including:

• Scalability: SQL Server can handle large amounts of data and can scale as your organization grows.
• Reliability: SQL Server is a reliable database management system that ensures data is always available when you need it.
• Security: SQL Server has built-in security features that help protect your organization’s sensitive data.
• Performance: SQL Server is designed to optimize query performance, making it an efficient way to store and manage data.

Types of SQL Server Licenses

When purchasing SQL Server, you have a few different licensing options to choose from:

Choosing the Right Version of SQL Server

When purchasing SQL Server, you’ll need to choose the right version for your organization. There are several different versions of SQL Server available, including:

SQL Server Standard

SQL Server Standard is a full-featured database management system designed for smaller organizations. It includes features such as:

• Basic analytics and reporting
• Data integration and ETL
• Replication
• High availability features

SQL Server Enterprise

SQL Server Enterprise is a more advanced version of SQL Server that includes all of the features of SQL Server Standard, plus enhanced security, scalability, and performance features. It includes features such as:

• Advanced analytics and reporting
• Advanced security features, such as data encryption and auditing
• Advanced scalability features, such as partitioning and compression
• Performance features, such as in-memory OLTP and columnstore indexes

SQL Server Developer

SQL Server Developer is a version of SQL Server designed for developers to use in non-production environments. It includes all of the features of SQL Server Enterprise, but cannot be used in production environments.

FAQs About Purchasing SQL Server

Q: How much does SQL Server cost?

A: The cost of SQL Server varies depending on the licensing option and version you choose. Per Core licensing starts at $3,586 per core, while Server + CAL licensing starts at $931 per server and $209 per user or device. You can contact a Microsoft representative for more specific pricing information.

Q: Do I need to purchase SQL Server CALs separately?

A: Yes, if you choose the Server + CAL licensing option, you’ll need to purchase a CAL for each user or device accessing the server.

Q: Can I upgrade from SQL Server Standard to SQL Server Enterprise?

A: Yes, you can upgrade from SQL Server Standard to SQL Server Enterprise by purchasing an upgrade license.

Q: Can I use SQL Server on a virtual machine?

A: Yes, you can use SQL Server on a virtual machine, but you’ll need to make sure you have the appropriate licensing for the virtual environment.

Q: Is there a free version of SQL Server?

A: Yes, there is a free version of SQL Server called SQL Server Express. It includes many of the same features as SQL Server Standard, but with some limitations.

Conclusion

Purchasing SQL Server can be a complex process, but by understanding the benefits of using it, the different licensing options available, and the different versions of SQL Server, you can make an informed decision that meets your organization’s needs. If you have any further questions about purchasing SQL Server, don’t hesitate to contact a Microsoft representative for more information.