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SQL Server 2012 Licensing Explained

In addition to feature sets, one of the decisive factors in choosing a SQL Server edition is cost. With SQL Server 2012, MS offers two types of licensing models: processor-based licensing and server-based licensing. Processor-based licensing involves a single license for each physical CPU in the machine that is running a MS Server product. This type of license includes unlimited client device access. Additional server licenses, seat licenses, and Internet connector licenses are not necessary. You need to purchase a processor license for each installed processor on the server on which SQL Server 2012 will be installed, even if some processors will not be used for running SQL Server. The only exception is for systems with 16 or more processors that allow partitioning of the processors into groups so the SQL Server software can be delegated to a subset of the processors.

For those who prefer the more familiar server/client access license (CAL), or for environments in which the number of client devices connecting to SQL Server is small and known, two server/CAL-based licensing models are also available:

• Device CALs—A device CAL is necessary for a device (as an example, PC, workstation, terminal, PDA, mobile phone) to access or use the services or functionality of MS SQL Server. The server plus device CAL model is likely to be the more cost operative choice if there are multiple users per device (as an example, in a call center).

• User CALs—A SQL server user CAL is necessary for a user (as an example, an employee, a customer, a partner) to access or use the services or functionality of MS SQL Server. The server plus user CAL model is likely to be more cost effective if there are multiple devices per user (as an example, a user who has a desktop PC, laptop, PDA, and so forth).

The server/CAL licensing model involves purchasing a license for the computer running SQL Server 2012 as well as a license for each client device or user that accesses any SQL Server 2012 installation. A fixed number of CALs are included with a server license and the server software. Additional CALs can be purchased as needed. Server/per-seat CAL licensing is intended for environments in which the number of clients per server is relatively low, and admission from outside the company firewall is not necessary. Be aware that using a middle-tier or transaction server that pools or multiplexes DB connections does not reduce the number of CALs necessary. A CAL is still necessary for each distinct client workstation that connects throughout the middle tier. (Processor licensing might be preferable in these environments due to its simplicity and affordability when the number of clients is unknown and potentially large.)