Microsoft SQL Server 2019 is one of the most stable and reliable SQL Server versions Microsoft has ever released. In countless companies, data centres and IT infrastructures worldwide, SQL Server 2019 is in everyday production use – reliable and powerful. If you are looking for a proven, fully functional database platform at a fair price, SQL Server 2019 is an excellent choice. At Lizenzindustrie you receive your licence by email – verified and well below the official list price. You will find a comparison of all versions under Microsoft SQL Server.
What does SQL Server 2019 offer in business use?
Compared with its predecessor SQL Server 2017, SQL Server 2019 introduced a number of significant new features that make a noticeable difference in day-to-day database operations.
Intelligent query processing is one of the most important features of SQL Server 2019. The query optimiser adapts execution plans to actual runtime data – instead of rigidly sticking to the original plan. In practice, this leads to noticeable performance improvements for many workloads without any changes to application code. Batch mode on rowstore, memory grant feedback and deferred compilation of table variables are specific mechanisms that bring this benefit to everyday business.
Big Data Clusters were introduced for the first time in SQL Server 2019 – a Kubernetes-based platform for combining SQL Server with HDFS and Spark. However, Microsoft retired this feature in February 2025; it should no longer be planned for new projects.
Java extensibility makes it possible to run Java code directly in SQL Server 2019 – an extension of the extensibility framework introduced with R (SQL Server 2016) and Python (SQL Server 2017). Java developers can use it to program database operations directly in Java and run them in SQL Server without transferring data to an external application.
Always Encrypted with secure enclaves was significantly extended in SQL Server 2019. Encrypted columns can now be used for more complex queries – pattern matching, comparison operations and joins on encrypted data are possible without decrypting the data. This makes Always Encrypted practical for a far wider range of application scenarios.
SQL Server 2019 editions at a glance
- SQL Server 2019 Standard
The best-selling edition for mid-sized businesses and departmental applications. Standard offers full database functionality including intelligent query processing, Always Encrypted with secure enclaves and Java extensibility. High availability is possible via Basic Availability Groups with one secondary replica per database. For companies that need a powerful database platform without the advanced Enterprise high-availability features, Standard is the more cost-effective choice.
- SQL Server 2019 Enterprise
The most powerful edition for business-critical applications. Enterprise offers unlimited virtualisation, full Always On Availability Groups with up to eight secondary replicas, In-Memory OLTP for extreme transaction speeds and all advanced business intelligence features. For large enterprises and business-critical workloads with the highest demands on performance and high availability, Enterprise is the necessary choice.
SQL Server 2019 or SQL Server 2022 – which is the better choice?
For new installations, we recommend SQL Server 2022 with Azure Synapse Link, Azure Arc integration and the ledger feature. If you want to use the latest AI features, go straight for the current version, SQL Server 2025.
SQL Server 2019 is the right choice if you are looking for the most affordable, fully functional and proven database system. In well-established environments in particular, this version runs stably and cost-effectively. For existing SQL Server 2019 infrastructures, an upgrade to SQL Server 2022 makes sense but is not strictly necessary.
SQL Server 2019 licensing models
Server + CAL model – One server licence plus SQL Server 2019 CALs for every user or device accessing it. Cost-effective with a small number of known users.
Core model – Licensing based on the number of physical processor cores. No CALs required, and an unlimited number of users may access the server. Cost-effective with many users or an unknown number of users.
System requirements for SQL Server 2019
- Operating system: Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2022, as well as compatible Linux distributions
- Processor: x64 processor with at least 1.4 GHz
- Memory: At least 1 GB RAM (4 GB or more recommended)
- Storage: At least 6 GB for the database components
- Network: At least one Ethernet adapter recommended
How buying from Lizenzindustrie works
Your SQL Server 2019 licence is ready to use within minutes: choose Standard or Enterprise, order and pay – the licence key is sent to you automatically by email. No physical shipping. Activation takes place directly via the official Microsoft servers.
- ✔ Delivery by email – licence key usually 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00)
- ✔ Verified licences – can be activated via the official Microsoft servers
- ✔ Low prices – well below the official list price
- ✔ Standard & Enterprise – both editions available
- ✔ Perpetual use – buy once, no subscription
- ✔ Traceable origin – licences from distributors and wholesalers in Europe
- ✔ Fast support – we help you quickly with licensing questions
Questions about the right edition or licensing model? Our Support and Service team will advise you directly and free of charge.
Frequently asked questions about SQL Server 2019
What is the difference between SQL Server 2019 Standard and Enterprise?
SQL Server 2019 Standard offers full database functionality for most business requirements. SQL Server 2019 Enterprise adds unlimited virtualisation, full Always On Availability Groups, In-Memory OLTP and all advanced business intelligence features. For business-critical workloads, Enterprise is the necessary choice.
Who is SQL Server 2019 suitable for today?
SQL Server 2019 is particularly suitable for companies looking for a proven and affordable database platform or wanting to expand existing SQL Server 2019 environments, for example because their applications are approved for exactly this version. For new installations, we recommend SQL Server 2025 or SQL Server 2022.
Does SQL Server 2019 also run on Linux?
Yes. SQL Server 2019 runs on compatible Linux distributions – including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
Do I need CALs with the core licensing model?
No. No CALs are required with the core model – an unlimited number of users and devices may access the SQL Server.
Can I upgrade from SQL Server 2019 to SQL Server 2022?
Yes. Microsoft supports in-place upgrades from SQL Server 2019 to SQL Server 2022. For production environments, we recommend a thorough testing phase before upgrading.
How quickly will I receive my licence key?
Usually 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00) – you receive the key for SQL Server 2019 by email and can then start the installation right away.
Microsoft SQL Server 2019 is one of the most stable and reliable SQL Server versions Microsoft has ever released. In countless companies, data centres and IT infrastructures worldwide, SQL Server...
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Buy SQL Server 2019 – Standard & Enterprise as a perpetual licence