SQL Server IoT

Per core licensing allows for an unlimited number of users or devices to connect.

Best for things like:

• When the number of users/devices cannot be counted easily
• Deploying intranet or extranet workloads
• Implementing centralized deployments spanning large direct and/or indirect users/devices

With per core licensing, each server running SQL Server -or any of its components, such as Reporting Services or Integration Services- must be assigned an appropriate number of SQL Server core licenses.

Software partitioning does not reduce the number of core licenses required, except when licensing individual virtual machines (VMs).

To determine the number of core licenses you need will depend on whether you are licensing the physical server or individual virtual operating system environments.

A minimum of four core licenses is required for each physical processor on the server. Since core licenses are sold in packs of two, this means you will purchase 4 core licenses if you are operating 4 or less physical cores, increasing incrementally by 2 to match the number of physical cores per processor.

With core-based licenses, you do not need to purchase additional client access licenses (CALs) to access the SQL server.

Each server license allows customers to run any number of SQL Server instances in a single OSE, either physical or virtual.

Best for things like:

• When you have a small team of users but many devices
• If your organization primarily uses devices (e.g., kiosks, terminals, IoT devices) to access the SQL Server
• Data warehousing

It’s called “+ CAL” because when you purchase a Standard license, depending on your use case, it can be cheaper to purchase a server license for each server and a client access license (CAL) for each device or user.

The CAL is required in this licensing model and grants users and devices access to the SQL server software.

Running SQL Server software on different hardware partitions or blades requires separate software licenses. Hardware partitions and blades are considered to be separate servers for licensing purposes and SQL Server software licenses cannot be assigned to more than one server at any time.

Devices not operated by humans require device CALs, even when connecting to SQL Server indirectly. For human operated devices such as PCs or hand-held terminals, a user CAL or device CAL can be used.

Not available when you purchase Enterprise edition.