News from Microsoft HQ in Redmond WA yesterday regarding future changes to SQL licensing for their partners and customers. SQL 2012 (formerly codenamed Denali) is scheduled for launch in the first half of next year. Keeping informed and ahead of the curve in managing and proactively planning licensing options is more critical than ever in third party hosting & virtualizing heavy environments. Stay tuned to future posts in the Navigator for additional details.
We reviewed the preliminary info on this and compiled some high level changes to be aware of:
- SQL Datacenter & Workgroup licenses will be retired
- A new version of SQL…SQL BI (Business Intelligence)
- The Server + CAL model of licensing will only be available for the BI and Standard version of SQL
- SQL Processor licensing will move to a Core-Based model
- SQL 2012 offers increased ease of switching between on-premise and cloud deployments
- Licensing transitions are built out in SQL 2012 to help customers move to the new models
Software Assurance is the best way to protect SQL customers’ investments. Enrollments for Application Platform (EAPs) will continue to offer the best value, including discounts up to 40% on new Enterprise and BI editions of SQL. Upon initial analysis, customers running processors with 4 or less cores will have a minimum price impact.
Revisit the Softchoice Navigator Blog for more information on these SQL changes including:
- Technical & Licensing In-Depth posts
- Informational one pagers, FAQs and other resources
- Customer Facing Webinars
For more detailed information on SQL 2012 licensing changesread the FAQ or Data Sheet.
About Luke Black
Luke is the Microsoft US Marketing Manager at Softchoice residing in his hometown of Chicago. Luke Black has been in the Technology industry for more than 12 years. He has since been instrumental in helping customers save time, money, and resources with respect to technology solutions.
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