This page contains answers to commonly asked questions about licensing SQL Server software.
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Licensing
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Q. How do I license SQL Server 2005?
A.
In general, there are three options for licensing SQL Server in a production environment:
Processor License. Under this model, a license is required for each physical or virtual processor that is accessed by an operating system environment running SQL Server software. This license does not require any device or user client access licenses (CALs).
Server plus Device CALs. Under this model, a server license is required for each operating system environment running an instance of SQL Server software, as well as a CAL for each client device that accesses a server running SQL Server.
Server plus User CALs. Under this model, a server license is required for each operating system environment running an instance of SQL Server software, as well as a CAL for each user that accesses a server running SQL Server software.
Q. How do the new SQL CALs work and what are the licensing requirements?
A.
SQL Server 2005 now offers two types of CALs. The first is called SQL CAL, and the second one is called Workgroup CAL.
SQL CAL. SQL CAL is offered on three platforms (32 bit, 64 bit and IA64). Any SQL CAL (32 bit, 64 bit and IA64) can be used against any licensed SQL Server regardless of the platform (32 bit, 64 bit and IA64).
Workgroup CAL. Workgroup CALs can only be used against a licensed SQL Workgroup Server.
Examples:
SQL CAL (64 bit) can be used against an Enterprise Edition (32 bit) Server
SQL CAL (32 bit) can be used against a Standard Edition (64 bit) Server
SQL CAL (IA 64) can be used against a Workgroup Edition (32 bit) Server
Workgroup CAL can only be used against a Workgroup Edition (32 bit) Server
Q. What exactly is a processor license and how does it work?
A.
A processor license gives you the right to install any number of copies of SQL Server 2005 on a single computer, as long as you have purchased processor licenses for all of the processors on that computer. If you have made a processor inaccessible to all operating system copies on which the SQL Server software is set up to run, you do not need a software license for that processor. In a virtualized environment, processor licenses are required for every processor that is accessed by a virtual machine. Please see the virtualization licensing brief and virtualization white paper for further detail. Find out more about how Microsoft Adapts Windows Server System Licensing to Virtualization Scenarios.
In addition to the installation rights to the actual server software, processor licenses also grant any number of devices or users the right to access and use the server software running on those processors. These access rights are available to all devices or users, regardless of whether they are inside the organization (intranet scenarios) or outside the organization (intranet or extranet scenarios). The processor license contains all that you need. With a processor license, there is no need to purchase separate server licenses, CALs, or Internet connector licenses.
Q. Do I have to acquire licenses for all of the processors in a server?
A.
You have to acquire licenses only for processors that are accessible to any copy of the operating system upon which SQL Server 2005 is installed. In a virtualized environment, processor licenses are required for every processor that is accessed by a virtual machine. Please see the virtualization licensing brief and virtualization white paper for more information on how to license under a virtualized environment.
Q. What is the difference between device client access licenses (CALs) and user CALs?
A.
A device CAL allows any number of users to gain access to licensed server software from a particular device. A user CAL lets a particular user gain access to licensed server software from any number of devices. In other words, a user CAL covers a particular user's access to the server software from work computers and laptops, as well as from home computers, handheld computers, Internet kiosks, and other devices. A device CAL covers access by multiple users to server software from a single, shared device.
Q. Which licensing model should I choose—the server plus device CAL, the server plus user CAL, or the processor license?
A.
It depends on the specific situation, but here are some general guidelines:
For externally focused server applications. Processor licensing is a better choice for externally focused server applications, such as Internet and extranet scenarios. It is often difficult to count devices or users in these scenarios, so hardware-based pricing is more straightforward.
For mixed-use servers. For mixed-use servers that will be accessed from both inside and outside the organization's firewall, processor licensing is generally favorable. Because the processor licenses are probably needed for external users, there would be no need to purchase access separately for internal users through CALs.
For environments inside the firewall. For environments inside the firewall where client-to-server processor ratios are relatively low, the server plus device CAL licensing model will likely be the more cost-effective choice if there are multiple users per device (for example, in a call center), while the server plus user CAL licensing model will likely be more cost-effective if there are multiple devices per user. For environments inside the firewall where client-to-server processor ratios are high, the processor licensing model will likely be more cost-effective.
Q. How can I migrate between a user CAL and a device CAL after the transitory launch period?
A.
If you have enrolled in Software Assurance (SA) or in an Enterprise Agreement (EA), you can switch from one model to the other—from device-based to user-based or from user-based to device-based CALs—upon renewal of your SA or EA. If you are not enrolled in SA or an EA, you need to acquire new CALs if you want to move to the next version of a product.
Q. If I switch from the device CAL licensing model to the user CAL licensing model, will I receive credit or a refund for any extra CALs that were acquired?
A.
No credit or refund is issued upon switching to the user CAL licensing model.
Q. Can I use a combination of device and user CALs at the same time?
A.
In general, if you are purchasing individual CALs through retail, original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Open License, or Select License programs, you can purchase all device CALs, all user CALs, or a combination of device and user CALs. However, to ease management and tracking, you should buy either all device CALs or all user CALs.
Q. Do you offer concurrent CALs?
A.
No. SQL Server 2005 is only available by means of a server plus device CAL, server plus user CAL, or a processor license.
Q. How do I license SQL Server 2005 for my virtual environments?
A.
For Standard, Workgroup, and Enterprise, if you decide to license on a per processor basis, you must buy a SQL Server license for each virtual processor. For Enterprise Edition, you can also choose to license all physical processors in a box. This gives you rights to run SQL Server on unlimited number of virtual processors running on the same machine. For Server/CAL mode, for Standard and Workgroup, you must obtain SQL Server licenses for each Virtual Operating System Environment on which you run instances of SQL Server. However, for Enterprise, if you have a Server license for the physical Server, you may run unlimited instances of SQL Server in any Virtual Operating System Environment that you run on that same machine.
If you are using hardware partitioning on a multi-processor server, you get unlimited virtualization for SQL Server Enterprise Edition as long as all processors in that hardware partition are licensed. For example, if you have a hard partition of 10 physical processors on a 32-processor superdome server, 10 processor licenses of SQL Server 2005 give you rights to run free unlimited virtual machines with SQL Server on those 10 physical processors.
Q. Are there any feature packs included with SQL Server 2005?
A.
Yes. A feature pack including SQL Server 2005 DB2 and SAP providers is available for download.
Q. Is Personal Edition still available in SQL Server 2005?
A.
No. Personal Edition has been replaced by Express Edition and through Workgroup and Standard's ability to run on Windows XP.
Q. If I have software assurance, am I eligible for a free upgrade to SQL Server 2005?
A.
If your software assurance coverage ends on December 1, 2005 or after this date, you are eligible for a free upgrade to SQL Server 2005.
Q. Do I have to buy separate server plus device CALs or server plus user CALs in addition to processor licenses?
A.
No. Processor licenses grant you the right to install SQL Server 2005 on any computer for which you have acquired the appropriate number of processor licenses. You need a separate processor license for each processor on the server. Separate server plus device CALs or server plus user CALs are not required.
Q. Can I run a mixed environment with both SQL Server 2005 processor licenses and server plus device CALs or server plus user CALs?
A.
This is feasible in some scenarios, and there is no restriction prohibiting it. For example, if an organization's Internet servers are segregated from the computers that are used to support its internal users, the organization could license its Internet servers through processor licenses while choosing to purchase separate server plus device CALs or server plus user CALs for its internal servers and CALs for each of its internal users or users' devices.
You should never purchase CALs to enable users to access a server that is already licensed through processor licenses because those processor licenses grant the right for all users to access the server. Likewise, you should never purchase processor licenses for a server that will be accessed exclusively by users for whom CALs have already been purchased.
It is possible that a particular server will be accessed by both internal users (for whom CALs have been purchased) and by an undetermined number of external users whose access would be covered by processor licensing. In such a case, a separate server plus device CAL or server plus user CAL would not be needed for that server because the processor licensing already grants the right to install SQL Server 2005 on that server.
Q. Can I switch from the SQL Server 2005 server plus CAL licensing model to the processor licensing model or from the processor licensing model to the server plus CAL licensing model?
A.
Yes, it is possible to switch your licensing model, but it requires you to purchase the appropriate licenses, which often does not make economic sense until you upgrade to a new version of the product. Generally, switching from server plus device CALs or server plus user CALs to processor licenses makes sense only when you need to allow Internet and extranet access or when the number of users is expected to grow significantly, in which case moving to per processor licensing is more cost-effective.
Note: should you choose to switch from CALs to the processor licensing model, Microsoft does not provide credit for the CALs you may have already acquired.
Unlike SQL Server version 7.0 and other previous versions that enabled a one-time conversion from "per-server" (now per processor) to "per-seat CAL" (now device CAL) licensing at no cost, the per processor licensing model and server/CAL licensing model differ in price and benefit so the one-time switch is not possible.
Q. How do I license SQL Server 2005 CALs in a multiplexed environment?
A.
In most cases, Microsoft requires a CAL for every device that accesses or uses the services of SQL Server 2005. If you are unsure whether a CAL is required, you should contact your Microsoft sales representative or account manager. Inquires can be directed to the Microsoft Sales and Partner Information line by calling (800) 426-9400.
Q. How does licensing work for computers that run SQL Server 2005 in failover scenarios?
A.
Failover support, where servers are clustered together and set to pick up processing duties if one computer should fail, is now available in Standard and Enterprise editions of SQL Server 2005. Under each of these editions, keeping a passive server for failover purposes does not require a license as long as the passive server has the same or fewer processors than the active server (under the per processor scenario). For details on which failover methods are available under each edition, visit the SQL Server 2005 Features Comparison page.
Q. If I am doing log shipping in an active/passive failover configuration, how should I license the backup server?
A.
In this scenario, the passive server does not require a license, unless the passive server has more processors than the active server, and the active server is licensed under the per processor model.
Q. How does licensing work with the multi-instance feature in SQL Server 2005?
A.
You can run multiple instances of SQL Server 2005 on a single computer. Multiple instances are used by organizations that have several applications running on a server but want them to run in isolation so that any problem in one instance will not affect the other instances. In SQL Server 2005, you can now run multiple instances with the Workgroup, Standard, and Enterprise editions when they are licensed server/CAL or on a per-processor basis.
Q. In a system with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology enabled, do I have to pay for each logical processor?
A.
Under the per processor licensing model, SQL Server 2005 requires a license for each physical processor only. In a virtualized environment, you need a license for each virtual processor or fraction of a processor accessed by a virtual machine.
Q. Can I use processor licenses to commercially host applications running on Microsoft Windows Server System products?
A.
Microsoft does offer processor licenses for Windows Server System products through its Commercial Licensing program. Licenses (including processor licenses, server plus device CALs, and server plus user CALs) acquired through retail or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) channels, or through Microsoft Volume Licensing programs, cannot be rented, leased, or lent to third parties, or used to provide commercial hosting services.
Q. Do I need a separate license to run the SQL Server tools and analysis services?
A.
No, a separate license is not required. However, any device that has SQL Server tools or technologies installed must have a valid SQL Server license.
Q. Do I need to purchase a special license to install and run SQL Server Mobile?
A.
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Mobile Edition (SQL Server Mobile) is distributed as a downloadable development product for mobile applications. You can deploy SQL Server Mobile to an unlimited number of mobile devices if they operate in stand-alone mode. In stand-alone mode, the device does not connect to or use the resources of any SQL Server system not present on the device.
Otherwise, when devices running SQL Server Mobile connect to or use the resources of a SQL Server system not on the device, the instance of SQL Server software being connected to or used must be licensed according to the per processor licensing model, the user must have a SQL Server user CAL, or the device must have a SQL Server device CAL.
Q. What is SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition and how is it licensed?
A.
SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition is licensed per developer and must be used for designing, developing, and testing purposes only.
Q. What is Microsoft SQL Server Runtime?
A.
SQL Server Runtime is a license that allows an independent software vendor (ISV) to embed the complete SQL Server code into its solution for use only by the ISV's application. The customer of the ISV is restricted from using this SQL Server product to run other applications or to develop new applications, databases, or tables.
Q. How do I downgrade to SQL Server 2000?
A.
If you require SQL Server 2000 for existing solutions, you can still acquire additional licenses by taking advantage of the SQL Server 2005 "downgrade rights." The downgrade rights enable you to purchase server plus device CALs, server plus user CALs, or processor licenses for SQL Server 2005 and install and use the previous version for a reasonable period of time. Downgrade rights to SQL Server 2000 are no longer available for Runtime SQL Server 2005 licenses sold through the ISV Royalty program.
Upgrades
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Q. What is Software Assurance and how does it work?
A.
Software Assurance provides assistance and value to help you keep your servers running, while making your budget easier to manage. Under Software Assurance, you first purchase a license, and then pay an annual percentage fee for a variety of benefits you can use during the agreement period, including the ability to obtain a free upgrade to the next version of the product. The length of the coverage period varies based on the term of your volume license agreement. Purchase of Software Assurance is optional. If you do not want to purchase Software Assurance, you can obtain product licenses separately.
Q. How easy is it to migrate from a trial version of SQL Server 2005 to the final purchased product?
Product
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Q. What makes SQL Server 2005 a Microsoft .NET–connected application?
A.
SQL Server 2005 is a fully Web-enabled database server product. It supports extensible markup language (XML) and hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), two of the infrastructure technologies for .NET-connected software. The Web-enabled features apply to more than just relational data; they also work with online analytical processing (OLAP) and analytical data. Microsoft is incorporating these technologies as fundamental standards for access and expression in SQL Server software. Additionally, Microsoft will deliver new functionality developed after product release (such as the SQL Server 2005 JDBC Driver and SQL Server Notification Services) through the Web.
Q. How can developers obtain SQL Server 2005 Express Edition?
Q. What is the maximum amount of RAM supported by SQL Server 2005?
A.
SQL Server 2005 Standard and Enterprise editions support the maximum limit of the operating system. SQL Server Workgroup Edition supports 3 gigabytes (GB) of RAM.
Q. Which MSDN subscriptions include SQL Server?
A.
SQL Server 2005 is included with MSDN Universal and Enterprise subscription levels for test and development purposes. MSDN Universal subscriptions also include the rights to SQL Server 2005 Express Edition.
SQL Server 2005-Runtime for Microsoft Dynamics Partners
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Q. What is happening with SQL ServerTM 2005-Runtime on the Microsoft DynamicsTM pricelists?
A.
SQL Server 2005-Runtime is being added to the Microsoft Dynamics pricelists. This replaces SQL Server 2000-Runtime.
Q. Why is SQL Server 2005-Runtime being made available to Microsoft Dynamics customers?
A.
Microsoft is committed to providing the latest technologies and software to existing and new customers. For information on new features for SQL Server, visit the What’s New page.
As part of their Enhancement Plan, existing Microsoft Dynamics customers who licensed SQL Server 2000-Runtime will automatically receive the SQL Server 2005-Runtime upgrade.
Q. Can anyone license SQL Server through Microsoft Dynamics?
A.
Microsoft partners can order SQL Server licenses through Microsoft Dynamics for any customer who has or is licensing Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV or Microsoft Dynamics SL.
Q. Is SQL 2005-Runtime available for Microsoft Dynamics CRM?
A.
Microsoft CRM is available through the Volume Licensing program, so SQL Server licenses can be obtained through Volume Licensing programs.
Q. How is SQL Server 2005-Runtime packaged on the Microsoft Dynamics pricelists?
A.
Server is licensed on a per named user basis for both the Standard and Enterprise editions. Each user who accesses the system will need a SQL Server license user.
Q. What is the positioning of Microsoft SQL Server Runtime?
A.
Microsoft SQL Server Runtime is ideal for customers who want to deploy a predefined turn-key solution and do not have any future requirements for changes and modifications. If you need flexibility to make changes in your Microsoft Dynamics solution and/or license additional add-ons outside the “Unified Solution”, you should consider licensing Microsoft SQL Server Full Use instead of Microsoft SQL Server - Runtime.
Q. What is a “Unified Solution”?
A.
A Unified Solution means a software product licensed to you by or on behalf of Licensor which: includes the software licensed under this agreement, adds significant and primary functionality to such software, and may include software acquired from a third party. A Unified Solution includes any additional functionality, modules, or other applications that are part of or that interoperate with or otherwise use such software, whether directly or indirectly through the Unified Solution and are distributed at the same time with the initial Unified Solution. However, a Unified Solution does not include any additional functionality, modules, or other applications that are part of or that interoperate with or otherwise use such software, whether directly or indirectly through the Unified Solution and are distributed at a different time from the initial Unified Solution.
Q. What does Microsoft SQL Server - Runtime for the “Unified Solution” cover?
A.
Unified Solution defines the scope of your solution that you license at time of purchase. This means the Microsoft SQL Server Runtime can be used together with the Microsoft Dynamics you license and the partner solution, including customizations and add-on’s defined in the scope at the initial time of purchase. Naturally, you have to license at least as many Microsoft SQL Server Runtimes as you have Users in Microsoft Dynamics NAV at any point in time.
Q. What if I want to license additional Users in Microsoft Dynamics?
A.
If you want to license additional Users in Microsoft Dynamics you can do that at any point in time. Just remember you have to a SQL Server – Runtime license for every person who accesses the system.
Q. What is a named user?
A.
A named user requires each person who accesses the Microsoft Dynamics product to have a user licensed in their name. The number of SQL Server users must be equal to or more than the number of Professional users.
Q. What if I want to license more functionality in Microsoft Dynamics which was not defined in the scope of the unified solution?
A.
If the customer did not envision adding the functionality, then the functionality will be considered a separate unified solution requiring an additional SQL Server – Runtime license for each person who accesses the functionality. Another option in this case is to consider licensing a full use version of SQL Server.
Q. What if I want to license an add-on or ISV which was not defined in the scope?
A.
If the customer did not envision adding the add-on or ISV functionality, then the functionality will be considered a separate unified solution requiring an additional SQL Server – Runtime license for each person who accesses the functionality. Another option in this case is to consider licensing a full use version of SQL Server.
Q. What if I want to upgrade to the latest version of my Microsoft Dynamics solution?
A.
You can upgrade your Microsoft Dynamics solution and partner solution including customizations and add-ons/ISV products.
Q. What if I want to upgrade to the latest version of my partner add-on(s)?
A.
You can upgrade any partner add-ons.
Q. What if I want to implement a Service Pack or a Hotfix?
A.
You can implement Service Packs and Hotfixes from Microsoft. Changes and modifications, i.e. customizations, related to Service Packs and Hotfixes in the Unified Solution are permitted.
Q. What if I want to migrate my Microsoft Dynamics solution to another Microsoft Dynamics solution?
A.
Your Microsoft SQL Server Runtimes are for your Unified Solution, incl. your Microsoft Dynamics solution. You can not use your Microsoft SQL Server Runtimes with any other Microsoft Dynamics solution or any other third party solution.
Q. What if I want to upgrade to a Microsoft SQL Server Full Use license?
A.
Full Use licenses are available through the Volume Licensing channel (there is not an upgrade path between Runtime and full use).
Q. How do I know if my Microsoft Dynamics product is compliant with Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Runtime?
A.
The following product versions will work with Microsoft SQL Server 2005 –Runtime:
Q. What if my Microsoft Dynamics solution does not work with Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Runtime or what if a customer wants to downgrade to SQL Server 2000 – Runtime?
A.
Customers who license SQL Server 2005 – Runtime will have the right to downgrade to Microsoft SQL Server 2000 -Runtime.
Q. What if I need to integrate other Microsoft software, such as Microsoft BizTalk Server?
A.
Customers will be able to license additional Microsoft software as long as it integrates with Microsoft Dynamics and is needed as part of the unified solution. This must be envisioned upfront as part of the Unified Solution.
Q. Which editions of SQL Server will be available?
A.
SQL Server 2005 -Runtime will be available in the Standard and Enterprise editions.
Q. What version of SQL Server edition will be available for each product?
Q. Will the SQL Server 2005-Runtime edition for the Microsoft Dynamics offerings be available in multiple languages?
A.
In North America, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics SL will offer the English language version.
Q. Which Microsoft Dynamics products will include SQL Server 2005-Runtime?
A.
A Runtime version of SQL Server 2005 will be available with the following products:
Microsoft Dynamics AX
Microsoft Dynamics GP Professional
Microsoft Dynamics GP Standard
Microsoft Dynamics NAV Professional
Microsoft Dynamics NAV Standard
Microsoft Dynamics SL Professional
Microsoft Dynamics SL Standard
Q. What happens to customers who purchased a SQL Server 2000 processor license, which was discontinued in December, 2005 (only applies to Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics SL customers in North America)?
A.
Customers who licensed SQL Server 2000 processor through MBS and are current on their Enhancement Plan will receive an upgrade to SQL Server 2005 processor – Runtime. They will not be allowed to license additional processors.
Q. What is the difference between SQL Server Standard Edition and SQL Server Enterprise Edition?
A.
For a features comparison for SQL Server Standard vs. Enterprise editions, visit: Compare Features page.
Q. Is there any change to pricing and packaging for the upgrade to SQL Server 2005 -Runtime?
A.
There is no change to SQL Server 2005 – Runtime pricing and packaging.
Q. Are partners required to deliver a legal document to the customer?
A.
Yes. Partners are required to deliver the End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) for SQL Server 2005, Standard and Enterprise Editions, Runtime-Restricted User Software. The EULA will be attached to each copy of SQL Server sent out. Customers need to review and accept all terms of the EULA to utilize SQL Server 2005.
Q. If customers buy a Microsoft Dynamics product and they already has SQL Server, will they be charged for an additional SQL Server license?
A.
SQL Server is optional on the Microsoft Dynamics pricelists. Thus, if customers already have a SQL Server license, they will not be charged for an additional SQL Server license.
Q. Can customers still order SQL Server through Volume Licensing?
A.
Microsoft Dynamics customers have the option to license SQL Server through any Volume Licensing program as long as they meet the minimum requirement for the program.
Q. If Microsoft Dynamics customers license SQL Server through Microsoft Dynamics, can they still receive points towards their Server Pool in Volume Licensing?
A.
If customers license SQL Server through MBS they will not receive points towards their Server Pool in Volume Licensing.
Q. Can existing Volume Licensing customers migrate to the SQL Server Runtime edition through Microsoft Dynamics products they license?
A.
No, a migration is not available.
Q. What is the partner discount structure for SQL Server offered through Microsoft Dynamics?
A.
Partner discounts for SQL Server, offered through Microsoft Dynamics, will be based on the rates listed in the “Services” discount schedule in the “12 month roll”. The discounts for SQL Server offered through Microsoft Dynamics are not dependent upon whether or not Services are acquired.
The partner discount for maintenance/enhancement will follow the discount structure for Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Microsoft Dynamics SL.
Q. What is the pricing for Microsoft SQL Sever Runtime edition as part of the integrated offering?
A.
Refer to local price lists for pricing in each region/country.
Q. Will the ordering process vary by geography?
A.
The process for ordering SQL Server in a country is the same as ordering Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Microsoft Dynamics SL in that country. In addition, partners will use the same ROC for ordering SQL Server as they do for ordering Microsoft Dynamics products.
Q. Will Microsoft Dynamics support the full use SQL Server database if customers are not acquiring it through MBS?
A.
Where Microsoft Dynamics support is available, the MBS group will support SQL Server as it relates to a Microsoft Dynamics application.
Q. What happens to customers who purchased a SQL Server 2000 processor license, which was discontinued in December, 2005?
A.
Customers who licensed SQL Server 2000 processor through MBS and are current on their Enhancement Plan will receive an upgrade to SQL Server 2005 processor – Runtime. They will not be allowed to license additional processors.
