Microsoft SQL Server 2025 Standard 2 Core

Microsoft SQL Server 2025 Standard 2 Core – per-core licensing

With the core licence for SQL Server 2025 Standard, you license the server's processor cores instead of individual users. Any number of users and devices may then access it without CALs – ideal for web applications, online shops or environments with many or changing users.

One item covers 2 cores. At least 4 cores must be licensed per processor or virtual machine.

The key facts at a glance

• 2 processor cores per licence
• No CALs needed, any number of users
• At least 4 cores per processor or VM
• Standard edition: up to 32 cores and 256 GB of memory
• Ideal for web, shop and external users

Who is SQL Server 2025 Standard 2 Core for?

• web applications and online shops
• companies with many users
• applications with external customer or partner access
• virtual servers with SQL Server

New in SQL Server 2025

• Vector data type and vector search for AI applications
• Native JSON data type
• Regular expression functions in T-SQL
• Optimised locking for more simultaneous access

How core licensing works

With per-core licensing, you license the processor cores on which SQL Server runs – then no CALs are needed, no matter how many users access it. This item covers 2 cores. At least 4 cores must be licensed per physical processor or per virtual machine, so you need at least two of these licences. A server with 8 cores accordingly needs four 2-core licences.

Licence types compared

You will find more licences in the category SQL Server 2025.

Why SQL Server 2025?

SQL Server 2025 is the current version and brings AI functions such as vector search directly into the database. The Standard edition has also been extended to up to 32 cores and 256 GB of memory.

Typical scenarios

• Online shop with a database back end
• Customer portals with external access
• Web applications with many users
• Virtual servers for several applications

Example calculation

A virtual server with 4 cores needs two 2-core licences; a physical server with 2 processors of 6 cores each needs six. No CALs are required – whether 10 or 10,000 users access it.

Documenting licences properly

Keep the invoice and licence documents together and note which licence is used on which server and how many users or devices access it. In an audit by the manufacturer or an auditor, you can then quickly prove that your database is correctly licensed. If the number of users changes, simply order more.

System requirements

• Operating system: Windows Server 2019 or later and Linux
• Processor: x64 processor from 1.4 GHz, 2 GHz or more recommended
• Memory: at least 1 GB, 4 GB or more recommended
• Hard disk: at least 6 GB of free space
• Network: TCP/IP for application access

Installation and activation

1. Download the installation file (ISO) via the link in our email.
2. Start setup and choose “New SQL Server stand-alone installation”.
3. Enter the product key supplied – this installs the edition you purchased.
4. Select features and instance, define service accounts and authentication.
5. Create databases or restore existing databases.

Frequently asked questions

How many 2-core licences do I need?

Count the cores on which SQL Server runs, but at least 4 per processor or VM. Divide the number by 2 – that is the number of licences.

Do I need CALs as well?

No, no CALs are required with core licensing.

When is Server + CAL worthwhile?

With few, known users, SQL Server 2025 Standard with CALs is often cheaper.

Will I receive an invoice?

Yes, with VAT shown, with your company address on request.

Can you advise me on the right licensing?

Yes. Describe your environment (servers, cores, number of users) and we will recommend the right combination.

My software requires a specific SQL Server version – what should I do?

Before buying, check which version the vendor of your specialist application has approved. Feel free to write to us in advance – we will tell you which licence suits your environment.

Delivery, invoice and support

• Delivery by e-mail: you will usually receive the product key, download link and installation guide within 5 to 30 minutes of payment (daily 09:00–21:00 CET). More under Shipping & payment.
• Invoice: every order comes with a proper invoice, with your company address on request.
• Origin of the licence: we source our licences from distributors and wholesalers in Europe. We explain exactly how this works on the page Buying legal software.
• Support: if you have questions about installation or activation, we help by e-mail (Mon–Sun 09:00–21:00 CET), phone (Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00 CET), live chat or remote support with TeamViewer.

Our goodwill promise

If the SQL Server version you ordered is ever no longer available, we will supply the next higher version with the same licence scope at no extra charge. You never pay more than the price at which you ordered.