Licensing Guide
Database
SQL Server — Licensing Models
SQL Server offers two licensing models: Core-based and Server+CAL. Choosing the right model depends on user type, count, and deployment scenario.
Licensing Models
Core-Based Licensing
Licensing is based on the physical cores of the server. No CALs needed — any number of users can access.
- Minimum 4 cores per server
- Sold in 2-core packs
- All physical cores must be licensed
- No CAL required
Server+CAL Licensing
One server license + a CAL for each user or device. More cost-effective for known, smaller user counts.
- One server license per server
- User CAL or Device CAL per user/device
- Available for Standard edition only
- Cost-effective for small, internal deployments
Standard vs Enterprise Comparison
| Feature | Standard | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Max memory | 128 GB | OS maximum |
| Max database size | 524 PB | 524 PB |
| Always On Availability Groups | Basic (2 replicas) | Advanced (8 replicas) |
| In-Memory OLTP | Limited | Unlimited |
| Columnstore | ✓ | ✓ |
| Data Compression | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transparent Data Encryption | ✓ | ✓ |
| Licensing models | Core + Server+CAL | Core only |
| Approx. price (2-core) | ~$3,900 | ~$15,100 |
When to Use Which Model?
Core-Based — Use when:
- Web applications and public-facing services
- User count is unknown or variable
- External users (clients, partners)
- Enterprise edition is needed
- High-load scenarios
Server+CAL — Use when:
- Known, internal users
- Smaller deployments (fewer users)
- Budget optimization for small teams
- Standard edition is sufficient
- User count is stable
Related Articles
| Windows Server | Windows Server Core Licensing |
| Windows Server | Virtualization Rights |
| Licensing | CAL — Client Access License |