Buy Microsoft SQL Server – 2025, 2022, 2019 Standard & Core

Microsoft SQL Server is one of the most widely used relational database management systems in the business world – and the backbone of countless business applications, ERP systems, CRM solutions and web applications. Whether a medium-sized company or a large corporation, whether on-premises infrastructure or a hybrid cloud environment – SQL Server is the reliable, powerful and scalable database platform for professional IT infrastructures. At Lizenzindustrie you get the common SQL Server versions as verified licences – by email, at a price noticeably below the manufacturer's recommended price.

What is Microsoft SQL Server?

Microsoft SQL Server is a complete relational database management system (RDBMS) that goes far beyond simply storing and retrieving data. SQL Server is a comprehensive data platform that combines database management, business intelligence, data analysis, reporting and integration services in a single, coherent platform.

In everyday business, SQL Server is the database behind almost every Microsoft-based business application. ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics, CRM solutions, SharePoint Server and countless industry applications rely on SQL Server as their database foundation. If you run a professional IT infrastructure based on Microsoft, in most cases there is no getting around SQL Server.

SQL Server licensing models – what do I need to know?

SQL Server is licensed under two basic models, which differ considerably in structure and cost-effectiveness depending on the deployment scenario.

Server + CAL model – With the Server + CAL model, you buy a server licence plus a SQL Server CAL for each user or device that accesses the SQL Server. This model is economical when the number of users is known, manageable and stable. With a small number of users accessing a powerful database, the Server + CAL model is usually cheaper than the Core model.

Core model – With the Core model, SQL Server is licensed according to the number of processor cores – physical or, for VMs, virtual cores. At least four core licences are required per physical processor or per VM; they are sold in 2-core packs. No CALs are needed in the Core model – an unlimited number of users and devices may access the SQL Server. This model is economical when many users, or an unknown number of users, access the database, for example with public web applications or large enterprise environments.

The choice of the right licensing model depends on your specific situation. If in doubt, we are happy to help – just get in touch.

SQL Server editions at a glance

SQL Server is available in several editions, which differ in their range of features and areas of use:

• SQL Server Standard – The typical edition for medium-sized businesses and departmental applications. Standard offers full database functionality for most business requirements – including Basic Availability Groups (high availability for one database per group), replication, Reporting Services and Integration Services. For businesses that need a powerful, complete database platform without the advanced Enterprise features, Standard is the more economical choice.
• SQL Server Enterprise – The most powerful edition for business-critical applications with the highest demands on performance, high availability and scalability. Enterprise offers unlimited virtualisation, full Always On availability groups with multiple readable secondary replicas, In-Memory OLTP for maximum transaction performance, advanced compression and full business intelligence features. For large enterprises and business-critical workloads, Enterprise is the necessary choice.
• SQL Server Developer – The free edition for developers – functionally identical to Enterprise, but licensed exclusively for development and testing, not for production environments.
• SQL Server Express – The free entry-level edition with a limited range of features; database size is limited to 10 GB (from SQL Server 2025: 50 GB). For small applications, single-user databases and learning applications.

All SQL Server versions at a glance

• SQL Server 2025 – The latest version with native vector search for AI applications, a JSON data type and enhanced security features.
• SQL Server 2022 – Mature and stable, with Azure Synapse Link, ledger tables and improved query optimisation.
• SQL Server 2019 – Proven, with Java extensibility and intelligent query processing; Big Data Clusters have since been retired. A solid choice for well-established environments.
• SQL Server 2017 – The first version with Linux support; well suited to existing installations.
• SQL Server 2016 – For existing infrastructures that are tailored to this version.
• SQL Server 2014 – For legacy environments with specific version requirements.
• SQL Server 2012 – For older legacy infrastructures in which exactly this version is specified.

What SQL Server can do – an overview of the main features

• Relational database management – Fully ACID-compliant transaction processing, referential integrity and extensive T-SQL support for all database operations.
• High availability – Always On availability groups and failover cluster instances for automatic failover, plus log shipping for continuous operation even in the event of failures.
• In-Memory OLTP – Memory-optimised tables and natively compiled procedures for very high transaction speeds.
• Columnstore indexes – Significantly faster analytical queries thanks to column-based data storage and high compression.
• Reporting Services (SSRS) – Professional report creation directly from SQL Server – from simple tabular reports to interactive dashboards.
• Integration Services (SSIS) – ETL platform for importing, exporting and transforming data from a wide range of sources – the basis for data warehouse projects.
• Analysis Services (SSAS) – OLAP cubes and tabular models for multidimensional data analysis and business intelligence.
• Machine Learning Services – Run R and Python directly in SQL Server – for machine learning models and data analysis without moving data.
• Azure integration – Connection to Azure Arc, Azure SQL Managed Instance and Microsoft Fabric for hybrid and cloud scenarios.
• Data encryption – Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) for full encryption of database files and Always Encrypted for column-level encryption of sensitive data.

How buying from Lizenzindustrie works

For SQL Server, you choose the version, edition and licensing model (Server + CAL or Core), place your order and receive the licence key and licence documents automatically by email. You enter the key in SQL Server Setup.

• ✔ Delivery by email – licence key usually 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00)
• ✔ Verified licences – reliably activated via Microsoft servers
• ✔ Significantly cheaper than the official Microsoft list price
• ✔ All versions available – from SQL Server 2012 to SQL Server 2025
• ✔ Standard & Enterprise – both editions available
• ✔ Traceable origin – licences from distributors and wholesalers in Europe
• ✔ Fast support – we help you quickly with licensing questions

Do you have questions about the right licensing strategy for your SQL Server infrastructure? Write to us – together we will find the licensing model that is most economical for your environment.

Frequently asked questions about Microsoft SQL Server

What is the difference between SQL Server Standard and Enterprise?

SQL Server Standard offers full database functionality for most business requirements at an economical price. SQL Server Enterprise adds unlimited virtualisation, full Always On availability groups, In-Memory OLTP and advanced business intelligence features. For business-critical workloads with the highest demands on performance and high availability, Enterprise is the necessary choice.

Server + CAL or Core – which model is better for me?

Server + CAL is more economical when a small number of known users access the database. The Core model is more economical when many users, or an unknown number of users, access it. Where the break-even point lies depends on the edition, number of cores and number of users – no general user count can be given. Please also note: Enterprise is only available under the Core model. We are happy to advise you on your decision.

Do I still need CALs with the Core model?

No. No additional CALs are required under the Core licensing model – an unlimited number of users and devices may access the SQL Server.

Can I run SQL Server on virtual machines?

Yes. SQL Server can be run on physical and virtual machines. The licensing rules for virtual environments are complex – especially for SQL Server Enterprise with unlimited virtualisation. We are happy to advise you on the specific licensing requirements for your virtualisation environment.

How quickly will I receive my licence key?

Once your payment has been received, you receive the licence key and licence documents automatically by email. The key is entered during SQL Server installation.