SQL Server number of processors limitation and licenses

In the following link by Microsoft they are showing the number of processors one instance of SQL Server is limited to use

Compute Capacity Limits by Edition of SQL Server

And also they are saying:

"These limits apply to a single instance of SQL Server. They represent the maximum compute capacity that a single instance will use. They do not constrain the server upon which the instance may be deployed. In fact deploying multiple instances of SQL Server on the same physical server is an efficient way to use the compute capacity of a physical server with more sockets and/or cores than the capacity limits below."

My question:
Does this implies that when I licenses the server I licenses all server processors once regardless of the number SQL Server instances installed on that one server. 
For example if I have one server that has 32 cores. I have to buy licenses for all 32 cores once with amount X, but I can install as much instances as I want and the amount X will remain X, and it will not be:
X * number of instances installed 
... is this true ?

March 25th, 2015 9:08am

Hello,

Since the question is a license issue, you can call 1-800-426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time) to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist. You can also visit the following site for more information and support on licensing issues:

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/mla/default.aspx

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Alberto Morillo
SQLCoffee.com

  • Proposed as answer by Shanky_621MVP 15 hours 15 minutes ago
  • Unproposed as answer by Butmah 1 hour 21 minutes ago
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March 25th, 2015 9:19am

Hi,

only SQL Server licensed per Server + CALs allowed you to run any number os SQL Server instances in a single OSE.

for SQL per core Basis licenses, only for Enterprise core licenses with active Software assurance for all physical cores you may install unlimited VMs.

for confirmation, we have the following on licensing guide: Under the Server+CAL licensing model,  each server license allows customers to run any number of SQL Server instances in a single OSE, either physical or virtual.

thanks

diramoh

March 25th, 2015 11:34am

Hello,

Since the question is a license issue, you can call 1-800-426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time) to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist. You can also visit the following site for more information and support on licensing issues:

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/mla/default.aspx

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Alberto Morillo
SQLCoffee.com

  • Proposed as answer by Shanky_621MVP Wednesday, March 25, 2015 3:49 PM
  • Unproposed as answer by Butmah Thursday, March 26, 2015 5:43 AM
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 25th, 2015 1:16pm

Hi,

only SQL Server licensed per Server + CALs allowed you to run any number os SQL Server instances in a single OSE.

for SQL per core Basis licenses, only for Enterprise core licenses with active Software assurance for all physical cores you may install unlimited VMs.

for confirmation, we have the following on licensing guide: Under the Server+CAL licensing model,  each server license allows customers to run any number of SQL Server instances in a single OSE, either physical or virtual.

thanks

diramoh

March 25th, 2015 3:31pm

Thanks Diramoh... 

Just to make sure that you've answered what I've exactly asked about:

  • ONLY under [Server+CAL] licensing model: If I paid amount X for license, this amount will NOT defer depending on the number of SQL Server instances installed on ONE OS.
    Example: if I paid 1000$ for licensing a server under  [Server+CAL] licensing model, and I installed 1 instance of SQL Server, those 1000$ will remain 1000$ even if I install another two SQL server instances on the same OS where the 1st is installed.
  • Under Core-Base licensing model: If I paid amount X for licensing SQL Server on Y number of cores on ONE OSE, then I installed another N number of SQL Server on that same OSE, then the total amount for licensing will be X * N.
    Example: if I paid 1000$ for licensing SQL Server Standard under Core-base licensing model on 4 core machine that has MS Windows Server 2008 R2, then I installed another SQL Server Standard edition on that same Windows Server, the total amount of licensing will be 1000$ * 2 = 2000$

Please confirm the above two points are correct and that that what you meant to say.

Note: The numbers in the examples are just for example :)


  • Edited by Butmah 33 minutes ago
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March 26th, 2015 2:33am

Thanks Diramoh... 

Just to make sure that you've answered what I've exactly asked about:

  • ONLY under [Server+CAL] licensing model: If I paid amount X for license, this amount will NOT defer depending on the number of SQL Server instances installed on ONE OS.
    Example: if I paid 1000$ for licensing a server under  [Server+CAL] licensing model, and I installed 1 instance of SQL Server, those 1000$ will remain 1000$ even if I install another two SQL server instances on the same OS where the 1st is installed.
  • Under Core-Base licensing model: If I paid amount X for licensing SQL Server on Y number of cores on ONE OSE, then I installed another N number of SQL Server on that same OSE, then the total amount for licensing will be X * N.
    Example: if I paid 1000$ for licensing SQL Server Standard under Core-base licensing model on 4 core machine that has MS Windows Server 2008 R2, then I installed another SQL Server Standard edition on that same Windows Server, the total amount of licensing will be 1000$ * 2 = 2000$

Please confirm the above two points are correct and that that what you meant to say.

Note: The numbers in the examples are just for example :)


March 26th, 2015 6:30am

Hi Butmah,

yes, your examples are correct. I confirm both Scenarios.

thanks

diramoh

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March 26th, 2015 9:36am

Thanks Diramoh,

You have answered my question, yet it's nonsense and not fair!

If I have a 32 core machine, and I want to install SQL Server 2012 STD on that machine using core-based license. SQL Server STD is limited and can use up to JUST 16 core, but I have to license ALL 32 cores!!!!!, and if I want to utilize the other 16 cores and install another instance of SQL Server STD, I have to license the 32 again!!!!; so I have to buy 64 license to utilize all the 32 cores on that machine!!! .... is this true?!!! 





  • Edited by Butmah 24 minutes ago
March 29th, 2015 1:17am

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