Sharepoint 2010 Foundation , SQL 2012 licensing question
We currently have Sharepoint 2010 foundation with SQL 2012 Express. We are fast approaching the 10gb limit of this SQL version. My question is: If we upgrade to SQL 2012 Standard to get past this limit, what do we need to buy? Even after searching the Internet about this I still can't figure it out. If we get the SQL server standard(not sure where to start), do we also need CALs if it's only used for Sharepoint? It's a standalone virtual server, no farm. Processor is Xeon-e5-2660, 8 cores.
ASKER
So even if I only have 2 cores on the virtual machine, i have to purchase an 8 core because of the physical processor?
There will probably be 50 users so I am trying to weigh which licensing model to use.
There will probably be 50 users so I am trying to weigh which licensing model to use.
Hi,
no - you license the vCores / cores you use - but with a minimum of 4 cores. Please see page 11 of the licensing guide (link in my last comment).
Sorry that I have no clue about licensing costs but 50 user seems to be more the point to use server + CAL.
no - you license the vCores / cores you use - but with a minimum of 4 cores. Please see page 11 of the licensing guide (link in my last comment).
Sorry that I have no clue about licensing costs but 50 user seems to be more the point to use server + CAL.
ASKER
Thanks for the link. I found this. This shows the per core option is way better for me. I see where you can get it in 2 core packs. Where did you get 4 minimum?
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"The workhorse SQL Server 2012 Standard Edition remains the staple of the product line for serious database applications. It can handle up to 16 cores with an unlimited amount of RAM. The major change in licensing from SQL Server 2008 to SQL Server 2012 is that a per core option is now available for the Standard Edition. This means that you have two choices: purchase per core licenses at $1,793 or purchase a server license at $898 and client access licenses at $209 per client."
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"The workhorse SQL Server 2012 Standard Edition remains the staple of the product line for serious database applications. It can handle up to 16 cores with an unlimited amount of RAM. The major change in licensing from SQL Server 2008 to SQL Server 2012 is that a per core option is now available for the Standard Edition. This means that you have two choices: purchase per core licenses at $1,793 or purchase a server license at $898 and client access licenses at $209 per client."
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ASKER
Ok. I see. Two pack option is for when you have 6 cores or something like that. I was hoping that maybe SharePoint would count as the one USER that accesses SQL, not all the sharepoint users. I'll have to make a spreadsheet to see what option works best.
ASKER
Perfect link for figuring out this licensing
SQL Server Standard can be licensed either core-wise or Server + CAL.
Core licensing requires a minimum of four cores license - even if you only use two (regardless of physical or virtual cores).
If you choose Server+CAL each user/device has to have a CAL. Therefore you would simply have to count the number of users who will access our SharePoint farm.
Licensing details:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/7/3/C/73CAD4E0-D0B5-4BE5-AB49-D5B886A5AE00/SQL_Server_2012_Licensing_Reference_Guide.pdf
Alternative (but that depends on you SharePoint Foundation structure): create additional content databases - e.g. after 5GB create the next one and/or separate your web app into multiple site collections to split content size.
HTH
Rainer