What is Microsoft SQL Server 2019?
In the dynamic world of database technologies, Microsoft SQL Server 2019 boldly stands in the top trio, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Oracle Database and IBM DB2. A relational database management system (RDBMS) at its core, SQL Server 2019 is not just any other database tech. It's a multifaceted powerhouse. It's a workhorse that supports a broad spectrum of applications. Talk about transaction processing or business intelligence and analysis, SQL Server 2019 has it all covered.
Why does it hold such a revered spot in enterprise environments? Well, the answer is simple and complex at the same time. The primary role of SQL Server 2019 is twofold - to retrieve and store data in the database. Sounds simple, doesn't it? But when you delve deeper, you realize the magnitude of this function.
Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Standard or Enterprise?
You can purchase Microsoft SQL Server 2019 as either Standard or Enterprise Edition. SQL Server 2019 Standard provides all the basic features for database reporting and analysis. With SQL Server 2019 Enterprise you get all the functionalities of SQL Standard, together with up to eight node aggregation and asynchronous mirroring performance.
We advise all our clients to purchase a version of SQL Server that receives adequate support from Microsoft. The support can be either standard (updates) or extended (security).
Microsoft SQL Server 2019 End of Life (EoL)
Make sure you purchase a version of SQL Server 2019 that receives adequate support from Microsoft. This includes standard support (updates) and extended support (security). See the end support dates below:
The expiration date of standard support: 28-02-2025
The expiration date of extended support: 08-01-2030
CALs for Microsoft SQL Server 2019
CAL (Client Access License) is a license that allows access to Microsoft SQL Server licenses such as 2017, 2019, and 2022 to the company's users or devices. There are two types of CALs to choose from for SQL Server 2019:
- Microsoft SQL Server 2019 User CALs
A SQL Server 2019 User CAL license, as the name suggests, provides user access to SQL Server 2019. For example, if an employee needs to access the server via their laptop, iPad, smartphone, and/or PC, it is best to license the user instead of every device.
- Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Device CALs
With Device CAL licensing, you pay for each device that uses features of SQL Server 2019. Device CALs are the right solution when you want to use SQL Server on only one device or if fewer devices than users need access to the server.
Connect to SQL Server 2019 remotely
Users can access SQL Server 2019 both locally and remotely. Both access types require standard User and/or Device CALs, mentioned above. The remote access is facilitated though the additional RDS (Remote Desktop Services) CALs. The licensing principle is the same as with standard CALs – all users and devices needing access to the SQL Server 2019 must be licensed. In principle, you can purchase CALs for all of your devices and users, however this is most of the times not necessary and more expensive. The general rule of thumb advises to license whichever is less – see the flowchart below. If your company has a few devices used by multiple employees to remotely access SQL Server 2019, it makes more financial sense to license the fewer devices with RDS Device CALs instead of the multiple (and maybe fluctuating) employees with RDS User CALs. Should your company rely on part-time or shift-workers, then RDS Device CALs are again more cost-efficient. In case your employees need more than one device to access the services of SQL Server 2019 remotely, it would be more budget-friendly to license the users with RDS User CALs, as the number of devices is more probable to fluctuate.
Important: CALs are NOT included with Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Standard or Enterprise licenses and must be purchased separately.