What is Microsoft SQL Server Audit? That’s what we will cover today.
Deploying Microsoft SQL Server correctly and cost-effectively is a challenge for many IT leaders and Software Asset Managers.
Not only is SQL Server one of the most expensive Microsoft products, but it’s also a prime candidate for organizations looking to save money by optimizing their software licensing and deployments.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to ensure SQL Server is deployed correctly and cost-effectively, provide recommendations for optimizing SQL Server installations, and discuss how to defend SQL Server in a Microsoft licensing audit.
Microsoft SQL Server Audit & Licensing Metrics
Currently, Microsoft offers two licensing metrics for SQL Server: Core and Server+CAL (Client Access License).
With the Core metric, organizations apply a SQL Server license to the cores of the SQL Server instance or physical host.
On the other hand, with Server+CAL licensing, organizations must license the SQL Server installation, plus all the users/devices who can access the instance, including those who indirectly access the instance through other applications.
Most Microsoft customers who use Server+CAL licensing struggle to monitor who can access specific SQL instances, and they need to license all their users to ensure compliance.
Optimizing Microsoft SQL Server Audit
To optimize your SQL Server environment, you must know about a Software Assurance benefit called Unlimited Virtualization. With SQL Server Enterprise and Software Assurance, you can create a virtual cluster and then license all the physical cores with the licenses.
In this scenario, customers are allowed to have an unlimited number of instances in the cluster without the need to count the instances of SQL in the cluster. This technique can save you money, effort, and time.
Another option is to look into a smaller SQL Server, Standard Active-Active Cluster, for a subset of databases.
Under this setup, a set of SQL Server Standard instances is grouped in two Windows servers. This can reduce the license requirement while providing other benefits, such as failover capabilities.
Is Your SQL Server Deployment Licensable?
Keep in mind that other Microsoft licenses could already cover some SQL instances.
For instance, if you use SQL Server for development and testing purposes only, you are covered with the MSDN licenses you will likely already have.
Another example could be if a SQL Server Standard is used for System Center only; System Center can cover its license. There is always the free SQL Server Express edition option for the smaller databases out there.
Defending SQL Server in a Microsoft Licensing Audit
When a Microsoft audit notification arrives, ensure that the auditor has the ‘right to audit’ as governed by the audit clause in your contract with Microsoft.
- Conduct your internal audit first, understand specifically where SQL is, and check the organization’s Microsoft entitlement.
- Check how many licenses the organization has with and without active Software Assurance. Customers should also be aware of the license metrics they have in their environment.
- Once you have conducted your internal audit and have a clear idea of your Microsoft licensing position, you will have the data to verify Microsoft’s audit findings.
Organizations can still be exposed to hundreds of thousands of dollars of risk if they do not get their audit defense right. Small mistakes in your license management could be harshly punished, and auditors often make mistakes or assumptions based on missing data.
In conclusion, optimizing Microsoft SQL Server licensing requires a good understanding of the licensing metrics, careful consideration of your deployment’s likeability, and being prepared to defend SQL Server in a Microsoft licensing audit.
By following the tips and tricks discussed in this article, IT leaders and Software Asset Managers can ensure their SQL Server deployments are cost-effective, efficient, and compliant. If you are audited, you should work with a Microsoft Licensing Expert.
FAQs – Maximizing Microsoft SQL Server Licensing
What is Microsoft SQL Server?
Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft Corporation. Organizations widely use it for storing, managing, and retrieving data.
Why is licensing Microsoft SQL Server important?
Licensing Microsoft SQL Server is essential to ensure compliance with Microsoft licensing requirements and avoid costly penalties. SQL Server, particularly Enterprise Edition, is one of the most expensive Microsoft products, making any installation a cause for concern in the event of a Microsoft audit.
What are the licensing metrics available for Microsoft SQL Server?
Currently, Microsoft offers two licensing metrics for SQL Server: Core and Server+CAL (Client Access License). With the Core metric, organizations apply a SQL Server license to the cores of the SQL Server instance or physical host. With Server+CAL licensing, organizations must license the SQL Server installation, plus all the users/devices who can access the instance.
How can I optimize my Microsoft SQL Server deployment?
To optimize your SQL Server deployment, you can take advantage of Software Assurance benefits like Unlimited Virtualization and use smaller SQL Server Standard Active-Active Clusters for a subset of databases. You can also ensure that your SQL Server deployment is licensable by considering that other Microsoft licenses may cover some SQL instances.
What should I do if I receive a Microsoft audit notification?
A software licensing specialist can help you navigate the complex world of Microsoft licensing and ensure that your organization takes advantage of all the benefits and discounts available. They can also help you stay up-to-date on licensing metrics, requirements changes, and new products and features that can help optimize your SQL Server deployments.
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