SQL Server

Build intelligent, mission-critical applications using a scalable, hybrid database platform that has everything built in—from in-memory performance and advanced security to in-database analytics.

SQL Server site

About SQL Server

SQL Server 2019 is offered in two main commercial editions to accommodate the unique feature, performance and price requirements of organizations and individuals:

Enterprise Edition is ideal for applications requiring mission critical in-memory performance, security and high availability.
Standard Edition delivers fully featured database capabilities for mid-tier applications and data marts.

The editions are offered in a straightforward, tiered model that creates greater consistency across the product editions, features and licensing. Enterprise Edition includes all the capabilities available in SQL Server 2022.

Through a consistent programming interface across all editions, it is easier than ever for developers and partners to build and upgrade applications that take advantage of advanced performance, security, and data mart or data warehouse features – regardless of scale, from Express to Enterprise.

SQL Server Offerings

SQL Server is offered in two main editions to accommodate the unique feature, performance and price requirements of organizations and individuals:

Enterprise Edition is ideal for applications requiring mission critical in-memory performance, security and high availability.
Standard Edition delivers fully featured database capabilities for mid-tier applications and data marts.

SQL Big Data Nodes are licenses assigned to worker nodes in big data environments and are licensed under Enterprise Edition use rights.

SQL Server edition	Server + Client Access License (CAL)³	Per Core license²
Enterprise¹		✓
Standard	✓	✓
Big Data Nodes		✓

^{1. Customers who require a massively parallel processing data warehouse have access to a parallel data warehouse through their Enterprise Edition core licenses with Software Assurance. Parallel data warehouse is part of the Microsoft Analytics Platform System.}

^{2. Editions sold in the per-core licensing model and Big Data Nodes are sold as 2 core packs.}

^{3. Client access licenses (CALs) are required for every user or device accessing a server in the Server + CAL licensing model. See the Product Terms for details.}

Resources

SQL Server 2019 product page

SQL Server 2022 licensing guide

SQL Server 2022 licensing datasheet

SQL Server licensing FAQs

Related resources

Introduction to Core-based Licensing Models

Licensing Microsoft server products for use in virtual environments

Azure Hybrid Benefit FAQs