Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Standard

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Standard – the database server for your business

SQL Server 2012 Standard is the database for inventory management, accounting, CRM and industry software. Many specialist applications require exactly this edition. The Standard edition supports the lesser of 4 processors or 16 cores, up to 64 GB of memory per instance.

This item is a server licence in the “Server + CAL” model: you license one server, and each user or device with access needs a SQL Server 2012 CAL in addition.

The key facts at a glance

• Relational database for specialist applications
• Reporting Services for reports
• Integration Services for data import and export
• Backup and restore, including point-in-time recovery
• Limits of the Standard edition: the lesser of 4 processors or 16 cores, up to 64 GB of memory per instance

Who is SQL Server 2012 Standard for?

• companies with inventory management or ERP
• medical practices, law firms and tax offices with specialist software
• software vendors that require SQL Server
• companies with a manageable, known number of users

New in SQL Server 2012

• Columnstore indexes for fast analysis of large data volumes
• Contained databases that are easier to move
• Data Quality Services for cleansing master data
• New T-SQL functions such as FORMAT, IIF and TRY_CONVERT

Server + CAL – how the model works

In the “Server + CAL” model, you license the SQL Server itself with this server licence. In addition, every user or device that accesses the database directly or indirectly needs a SQL Server CAL. This is worthwhile above all if the number of users is manageable and known – typical for inventory management, practice software or accounting in small and medium-sized businesses.

Licence types compared

You will find more licences in the category SQL Server 2012.

Why SQL Server 2012?

SQL Server 2012 introduced core licensing and columnstore indexes. Many specialist applications were certified for this version and still run reliably with it today.

Typical scenarios

• Inventory management and ERP in SMEs
• Practice and law firm software
• Accounting and payroll
• Internal analyses with Reporting Services

Example calculation

A business with one SQL Server for inventory management and 12 employees who work with it needs one SQL Server Standard server licence and 12 User CALs. If the 12 employees share 6 PCs in shifts, 6 Device CALs are enough instead.

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 2008 R2 SP1 or later
• 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

Do I need CALs?

Yes. In the Server + CAL model, every user or device with access needs a SQL Server CAL.

When is the core licence worthwhile?

With many users or an unknown number of users, for example with web applications. In that case, SQL Server 2012 Standard 2 Core without CALs is often cheaper.

Does SQL Server also run virtually?

Yes, SQL Server can be run on physical and virtual servers.

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.