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I was having a discussion at work about the licensing model of Microsoft, in particular for SQL Server and we couldn't agree on the interpretation of "Active SA Quantity".

So the question is, if for SQL Server Ent. Lic. I have 10 Active SA Quantity, does that mean that we are covered for 20 cores on the server? (since licenses come in packs of 2)? What do you think?

Thanks!

VCarstein
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1 Answers1

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SQL Server licenses (both for initial purchase & ongoing Software Assurance) are licensed by the CPU core. However, licenses are sold in 2-core packs. Every SKU that you see on an invoice from Microsoft will be for 2-core license packs.

Context becomes very important. Often times people conflate "licensed CPU cores" and "licenses for CPU cores". It is generally easiest to always talk in terms of CPU cores or licenses, rather than going back & forth. Thankfully, the Microsoft Sales team always talks in terms of licenses, and not cores.

Therefore, if you are seeing an invoice, quote, or other official number from Microsoft, which shows "10 Active SA" this most likely means "10 SA licenses" or "20 CPU cores covered by SA."

AMtwo
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