Microsoft SQL Server Standard Price – Everything You Need to Know

Welcome, Dev! Microsoft SQL Server Standard is one of the most popular database management systems used by businesses all over the world. The software offers a range of features that help organizations manage their data more efficiently, and it comes with a price tag. In this article, we will discuss the Microsoft SQL Server Standard price and everything you need to know before making a purchase decision.

Understanding Microsoft SQL Server Standard Price

The price of Microsoft SQL Server Standard is based on a per-core licensing model, which means that you need to purchase a license for every core in your processor. The cost of each core license can vary depending on several factors such as the edition of SQL Server, the number of cores required, and the level of support you need.

Microsoft SQL Server Standard price starts at $1,859 per core for a server license, which includes two cores. You can purchase additional core licenses in packs of two or four, with each pack costing $3,717 and $7,434, respectively. The server license also includes access to SQL Server Management Studio, which is a powerful tool for managing your databases.

Factors Affecting Microsoft SQL Server Standard Price

Several factors can affect the price of Microsoft SQL Server Standard, including:

1. Edition: Microsoft offers several editions of SQL Server, each with different features and capabilities. The price of each edition can vary depending on the features you need.
2. Core Count: As mentioned earlier, the cost of SQL Server Standard is based on a per-core licensing model, which means that you need to purchase a license for every core in your processor.
3. Licensing Model: Microsoft offers several licensing options for SQL Server, including Per Core, Server + CAL, and Azure Hybrid Benefit. The licensing model you choose can affect the price of SQL Server Standard.
4. Level of Support: Microsoft offers different levels of support for SQL Server Standard, including Basic, Standard, and Premier. The level of support you choose can affect the price of SQL Server Standard.

Microsoft SQL Server Standard Price Comparison

Microsoft SQL Server Standard is not the only database management system available in the market. There are several alternatives that you can consider, including:

Database Management System	Price per core
Oracle Database Standard Edition 2	$17,500
MySQL Enterprise Edition	$5,000
PostgreSQL	Free

As you can see, the cost of Microsoft SQL Server Standard is relatively high compared to some of its competitors. However, it’s important to note that SQL Server Standard offers a range of features that are not available in some of the other database management systems.

FAQ

1. Can I purchase SQL Server Standard on a subscription basis?

Yes, Microsoft offers SQL Server Standard on a subscription basis through its Azure Marketplace. You can choose to pay for SQL Server Standard on a monthly or annual basis, depending on your needs.

2. Can I purchase SQL Server Standard online?

Yes, you can purchase SQL Server Standard online through the Microsoft Store or through a Microsoft partner. You can also purchase SQL Server Standard through the Azure Marketplace if you prefer a subscription-based model.

3. How many cores do I need to purchase a license for?

You need to purchase a license for every core in your processor. The exact number of cores you need will depend on the number of processors in your server. You can use the SQL Server License Advisor tool from Microsoft to determine the number of licenses you need.

4. Can I upgrade from SQL Server Express to SQL Server Standard?

Yes, you can upgrade from SQL Server Express to SQL Server Standard. However, you will need to purchase a license for SQL Server Standard and then upgrade your existing databases to SQL Server Standard. You cannot simply “convert” your existing SQL Server Express installation to SQL Server Standard.

5. Does SQL Server Standard come with technical support?

Yes, Microsoft offers technical support for SQL Server Standard. The level of support you receive will depend on the level of support you purchase, which can range from Basic to Premier. You can also find helpful resources online, such as the SQL Server community forums and documentation.

Conclusion

Microsoft SQL Server Standard is a powerful database management system that offers a range of features for businesses of all sizes. However, it comes with a price tag that can be relatively high compared to some of its competitors. Understanding the factors that affect the Microsoft SQL Server Standard price is essential when making a purchase decision. By considering the features you need, the licensing model that best suits your organization, and the level of support you require, you can make an informed decision and get the most out of your investment.