What’s New in SQL Server 2022; the importance of Software Assurance
SQL Server 2022 (released 16th November 2022) is available for license across all of Microsoft’s licensing programs. So, what, if any licensing changes, has Microsoft imposed with SQL Server 2022? The answer is largely none, but with one exception.
Licensing commercial editions of Enterprise & Standard has remained the same since 2012 (Per Core and Server & CAL models) but for one extra condition that Microsoft added to the Product Terms and accompanying SQL Server 2022 licensing guide — which consequently means Software Assurance is even more important for usage, benefits and costs. My post will outline why.
New Software Assurance requirement with SQL Server 2022
What has changed is that if you are licensing SQL Server Standard or Enterprise Edition by individual virtual machine, you need to have licenses with active Software Assurance. Prior to this change, you would have naturally licensed an SQL virtual machine in a multi-node cluster, where it moves freely and frequently across multiple hosts or nodes with Software Assurance. It makes sense in that scenario.
However, if your intent is to deploy and individually license an SQL Server virtual machine on a standalone virtual host or in a static environment, you now need to include Software Assurance with licenses regardless. In brief, you can count the usage scenarios where Software Assurance is not a requirement.
Perhaps the reasoning lies in the other Software Assurance benefits themselves which have expanded over the years to entice customers to use Microsoft Azure. Microsoft describes SQL Server 2022 as, “The most Azure-enabled release yet, with continued performance, security, and availability innovation.” (See SQL Server 2022 is now generally available)
Active Software Assurance currently is the eligibility requirement to take advantage of Azure Disaster Recovery options, and Azure Hybrid Benefit (Microsoft’s BYOL). Azure Hybrid Benefit permits more than SQL Server virtual machine; it can be applied to Azure SQL Databases, Managed Instances and Azure Data Factory SQL Server Integration Services.
The more Software Assurance you maintain, the greater the opportunity to adopt and exploit Azure services at a lower cost than standard Azure ‘License Included’ and compared to bringing your own license to other cloud providers (Software Assurance benefit known as ‘License Mobility Through Software Assurance’).
Traditional SQL Server Services vs Cloud Services
It is noticeable what has happened to traditional on-premises SQL Server services such as Reporting, Integration, and Analysis Services with weightier improvements and investment in their cloud services counterparts such as Power BI and Azure Analysis Services (See Power BI Report Server vs SQL Server Reporting Services).
A Power BI Premium subscription includes the rights to install Power BI report server. However, if you have SQL Server Enterprise cores with active Software Assurance, you can either install Power BI Report server with the licensed on-premises SQL Server, or alternatively, install Power BI report server in Azure.
Software Assurance versus Subscription Licensing
Software Assurance continues to provide all the on-premises benefits it has always done such as high availability, disaster recovery, license mobility across server farms, and extended security updates. All Software Assurance benefits are applicable if you license by subscription as well. A basic comparison of costs indicates the amortised License & Software Assurance cost is on a par with an annual subscription cost; so, once licenses are paid in full, reduced cost benefits arise from maintaining Software Assurance portion only versus annual subscription fees.
For small to medium sized businesses, Microsoft has limited methods for purchasing Software Assurance since the retirement of the 2-year Open program; as only 3-year Open Value agreement remains, and Software Assurance is currently not available through CSP/MCA (only subscription licenses). Larger customers can avail of licensing Software Assurance through Enterprise Agreement enrolments and MPSA agreements.
Conclusion
As Microsoft seems to be making Software Assurance obligatory in near all deployment on-premises scenarios, it is worthwhile reviewing what you can do with that investment, especially as Microsoft’s SQL message is Azure focused and likely to remain that way for future releases.
Microsoft is providing benefits through Software Assurance intended to entice you to migrate SQL to its Azure cloud environments and equivalent online services. And while all benefits are applicable to SQL Server subscription licenses; investing and maintaining SQL Server Software Assurance is preferable to subscription license fees over the long-term once the license fee is paid in full.
Irrespective of using your licenses on-premises, Azure Hybrid Benefit or bringing your licenses to other environments, it is primarily trust based. To avoid falling into any licensing traps we recommend that you have SQL licensing expertise in-house or a trusted independent provider to support your organisation.
As Microsoft license experts, we can help you demystify Microsoft licensing on-premises and in the cloud, to avoid and reduce cost and risk. Go to our website for further information or contact us.
