SQL Server Home

How to Buy

Published: February 27, 2004

SQL Server installations that are part of your day-to-day operations require production licenses. SQL Server is currently available under three licensing options:

• Processor license. Requires a single license for each CPU in the operating system instance running SQL Server. This license does not require any device or user client access licenses (CALs).
• Server plus device CALs. Requires a license for the computer running the Microsoft server product, as well as a CAL for each client device.
• Server plus user CALs. Requires a license for the computer running the Microsoft server product, as well as a CAL for each user.

For more information about pricing and licensing options:


Note: If you are outside the United States and Canada, you can get pricing information from your local Microsoft office. You can find contact information for your local Microsoft office on the Microsoft Worldwide site.

Production LicensesRetail Pricing1Example Pricing2

Processor License

Enterprise Edition
$19,999 US per processor

Enterprise Edition
$19,128 US per processor

Standard Edition
$4,999 US per processor

Standard Edition
$4,781 US per processor

Server plus Device CALs

Enterprise Edition
$11,099 US with 25 CALs

Enterprise Edition
$6,382 US per server
$   146 US per device

Standard Edition
$1,489 US with 5 CALs
$2,249 US with 10 CALs

Standard Edition
$667 US per server
$146 US per device

Server plus User CALs

Enterprise Edition
$11,099 US with 25 CALs

Enterprise Edition
$6,382 US per server
$   146 US per user

Standard Edition
$1,489 US with 5 CALs
$2,249 US with 10 CALs

Standard Edition
$667 US per server
$146 US per user

Required Operating System Licenses3

Microsoft Windows® 2000 Server

or

Microsoft Windows Server™ 20034

Visit the following pages for pricing details:

• Windows 2000 Server
• Windows 2000 Advanced Server
• Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
• Windows Server 2003

1 All prices reflect pricing for purchases within the United States and are in U.S. dollars. The prices listed are estimated retail prices; reseller pricing may vary.

2 This is representative pricing for a company purchasing a small number of Processor or Server licenses through Microsoft Volume Licensing. For more information, visit the Volume Licensing page.

3 See the System Requirements page for compelete details on supported operating systems for each edition of SQL Server.

4 Windows Server 2003 requires SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 3 or later to be applied.


Next Steps

1. Review the SQL Server Licensing FAQ.
2. Compare prices of Oracle9i and IBM DB2 to learn how much you can save with SQL Server.
3. To obtain copies of SQL Server 2000, you can:
• Call (800) 426-9400 from the United States or call (877) 568-2495 from Canada to speak with a Microsoft representative.
• Purchase licenses from Microsoft licensing program resellers.
• Order from a U.S. reseller.
• Search the Microsoft Worldwide Information site to find an international reseller in your location.
• Buy online from shop.microsoft.com.
4. Find out about MSDN Subscriptions.

For More Information

To find additional information about licensing SQL Server:

• See the Microsoft Licensing site.
• Discover how you can maximize the return of your technology investment and receive the next version of SQL Server at no additional cost through Software Assurance.
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