Microsoft SQL Server 2012
Microsoft has announced that SQL Server 2012 and is due for release in the first half of 2012. In line with the new version Microsoft is changing the pricing and SKUs and there will also be deletion of some old editions, along with a new way of counting your computing power. Whilst the new pricing model typically won’t affect server pricing, there is an expected increase of 27% on the cost of SQL Server CALs.
Key changes to SQL Server
New and retired editions
- NEW - Business Intelligence Edition
- RETIRING - Datacenter edition (SQL DC capabilities moving to SQL EE)
Licensing model
- With SQL Server 2012, processor licenses will be replaced by core licenses. You will need to count the number of cores in each processor and purchase the adequate # of core licenses – Minimum of 4 core licenses per processor. (No CALs needed)
SQL Server 2012 editions
Enterprise Edition
- AlwaysOn high availability
- Blazing-fast performance
- Optimized for private cloud
- Most comprehensive edition
- Core-based licensing option
Business Intelligence Edition (NEW)
- Rapid data exploration & discovery
- Managed self-service analytics
- Data quality & management
- Inclusive of Standard
- Server and CAL licensing option
Standard Edition
- Basic database functions
- Basic OLAP & Reporting
- Data management tools
- Unified development
- Core-based OR Server and CAL licensing option
Legacy EE server deployments
- EE Server Licenses available until June 30th, 2012
- EA/EAP Customers can purchase EE Servers through the end of term
- SA SKU only will continue; upgrades available to new versions
- SQL Server 2012 EE Server licenses will have 20 core per server limit