Hey Dev, are you thinking about using Microsoft SQL Server 2012 for your organization? One of the most important factors that you should consider before going ahead with this decision is the price. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the pricing structure of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 and help you make an informed decision.
1. What Is Microsoft SQL Server 2012?
Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. It is used to store and retrieve data as requested by other software applications, whether running on the same computer or over another network. SQL Server 2012 is one of the versions of this software.
What Are The Features Of Microsoft SQL Server 2012?
Before we dive into the pricing structure of SQL Server 2012, let’s take a look at some of its features. These include:
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
AlwaysOn Availability Groups |
Provides high availability and disaster recovery capabilities. |
Columnstore Indexes |
Reduces query execution time for large databases. |
Enhanced Auditing |
Allows for better tracking of changes made to the database. |
Data Quality Services |
Helps maintain the accuracy and completeness of your data. |
Power View |
Allows for interactive data exploration and visualization. |
2. How Is Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Priced?
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 is priced based on the edition that you choose, and the number of cores that you are using. There are four editions of SQL Server 2012:
- Express Edition
- Standard Edition
- Business Intelligence Edition
- Enterprise Edition
What Is The Difference Between The Editions?
Let’s take a closer look at the features of each edition to help you understand which one will be best suited to your needs:
Express Edition
The Express Edition of SQL Server 2012 is a free version that is designed for use by small businesses and developers. It has a limit of 10 GB of storage per database, and can only use a maximum of one CPU.
Standard Edition
The Standard Edition is designed for small to medium-sized organizations. It includes all the basic features of SQL Server 2012, including support for up to 16 cores and 64 GB of memory per instance.
Business Intelligence Edition
The Business Intelligence Edition is designed for organizations that need to analyze large volumes of data. It includes all the features of the Standard Edition, plus additional tools for data warehousing and OLAP (Online Analytical Processing).
Enterprise Edition
The Enterprise Edition is designed for large organizations that require the highest levels of scalability and performance. It includes all the features of the Business Intelligence Edition, plus advanced security, high availability, and disaster recovery capabilities.
What Are The Licensing Options For SQL Server 2012?
There are two main licensing options for SQL Server 2012: per core and server + CAL (Client Access License).
Per Core Licensing
Per core licensing is based on the number of cores that you are using. You will need to purchase a core license for every core that your SQL Server instance is running on. This licensing option is best suited for organizations that have a large number of users or that require high levels of scalability.
Server + CAL Licensing
Server + CAL licensing is based on the number of users or devices that will be accessing the SQL Server instance. You will need to purchase a server license, as well as a CAL for every user or device that will be accessing the instance. This licensing option is best suited for organizations that have a small number of users or that do not require high levels of scalability.
3. How Much Does Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Cost?
The cost of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 varies depending on the edition that you choose, and the licensing option that you select.
Express Edition
The Express Edition of SQL Server 2012 is free to download and use. There are no additional licensing costs associated with this edition.
Standard Edition
The Standard Edition of SQL Server 2012 is priced at $931 per core. You will need to purchase a core license for every core that your SQL Server instance is running on.
Business Intelligence Edition
The Business Intelligence Edition of SQL Server 2012 is priced at $13,853 per core. You will need to purchase a core license for every core that your SQL Server instance is running on.
Enterprise Edition
The Enterprise Edition of SQL Server 2012 is priced at $27,495 per core. You will need to purchase a core license for every core that your SQL Server instance is running on.
Server + CAL Licensing
The server license for SQL Server 2012 is priced at $7,171. You will also need to purchase a CAL for every user or device that will be accessing the instance. CALs are priced at $209 per user or device.
4. Which Edition Of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Should You Choose?
Choosing the right edition of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 depends on your organization’s needs and budget. If you are a small business or developer, the Express Edition may be the best option for you. If you are a medium-sized organization, the Standard Edition may be sufficient. If you need to analyze large volumes of data, the Business Intelligence Edition may be the best option. If you are a large organization that requires the highest levels of scalability and performance, the Enterprise Edition is the way to go.
FAQ
What is the difference between a core and a processor?
A core is a processing unit within a single physical processor. A processor, on the other hand, is a physical chip that contains one or more cores. When licensing SQL Server, you need to purchase licenses for each core that your instance is running on.
Can I change my licensing option after purchasing SQL Server?
Yes, you can change your licensing option at any time. However, you will need to contact Microsoft to make the change, and you may be required to pay additional fees.
Can I use SQL Server 2012 in a virtualized environment?
Yes, you can use SQL Server 2012 in a virtualized environment. However, you will need to purchase a core license for every virtual core that your instance is running on.
What is a Client Access License (CAL)?
A Client Access License (CAL) is a license that allows a user or device to access a specific server. In the case of SQL Server 2012, you will need to purchase a CAL for every user or device that will be accessing the instance.
Are there any other costs associated with using SQL Server 2012?
Yes, there may be additional costs associated with using SQL Server 2012, such as hardware costs, software maintenance costs, and support costs. These costs will vary depending on your organization’s needs and requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing the right edition of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 is an important decision for any organization. We hope this article has provided you with a clear understanding of the pricing structure of SQL Server 2012, and helped you make an informed decision. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.