SQL Licensing Query (Per Processor)

Question

Hi People

Just want to ask a logical question on SQL Server 2008 licensing. Does SQL Server installation limits/stops me from installing it on a server with 2 physical CPUs (2*Quad Core i:e 8 Logical Processors) if I have a single PROC License...i:e is it a technical limitation that will stop me from installation or it's just a paper license and I have to make sure that I bind to Mickrosoft Licensing terms.

Regards

  

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zamn

Answer 1

SQL Server engine will use as many processor attached to the box, there is nothing hard coded in the engine or license. License is paper based and by using more processor than you have licenses you are basically in violation of licensing terms. 

That being said, if you have more questions related to licensing please contact MicroSoft.

You should 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, and you can get more detail information from them. Worldwide customers can use the Guide to Worldwide Microsoft Licensing Sites to find contact information in their locations

Answer 2

the SQL Server installation program does not prevent you from installing the SQL Server on a box with more CPU than you've bought processor license but you'll violating the license agreement.

Answer 3

if I have a single PROC License...i:e is it a technical limitation that will stop me

Hello zamn,

I won't avoid or stop the installation, but you have to ensure the SQL Server uses only one processor. In the Server properies => Processor page you can limit the count of processor the SQL Server will use.

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Olaf Helper
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Answer 4

I won't avoid or stop the installation, but you have to ensure the SQL Server uses only one processor. In the Server properies => Processor page you can limit the count of processor the SQL Server will use.

depending on the version of SQL Server that is definitively not allowed configuration and you'll violate the license agreement.

Eg. SQL Server 2012 Enterprise requires ALL physical CPU to be licensed and this applies to SQL 2008R2.

@zamn,

Microsoft had published several white papers about SQL Server licensing for 2008R2 and 2012 versions and I recommand you to read those white papers or contact your Microsoft (SQL Server) license partner.

From SQL Server 2012 licensing paper, page 6:

When running SQL Server in a physical OSE, all physical cores on the server must be licensed.

Answer 5

If you don't have license coverage for this new deployment of SQLServer 2008 , then licensing of your SQLServer 2008 - with two CPUs - follows the rules of SQLServer 2012 rules.  That means that you have to count the number of CORES of all the CPUs  (minimum 4 cores) ..and you can skip the CAL count.  OR (!!)  you pay for a single instance of the install and you pay for CALs.