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SQL standard server licensing question

Sean Lo 0 Reputation points
2025-10-24T03:07:28.9566667+00:00

Greetings,

We are looking to set up a cost effective VM with MSSQL for a project with 2 concurrent users. This is hosted in a research cloud so we are confused about what license can be used. The research cloud is not listed under microsoft's authorised mobility partners.

In terms of cost effectiveness, we are hoping to purchase 1 SQL server standard license + 2 CAL license.

The issue: we have no visibility regarding the physical host for this VM.

Might you be able to advise on the type of license we should be purchasing?

Thank you,

Sean.

SQL Server | Other
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  1. Lakshmi Narayana Garikapati 470 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-10-24T16:25:15.23+00:00

    Hi @Sean Lo,

    Thanks for sharing the details. Before I propose a solution, could you please clarify a few points so I can better understand your setup?

    1. Which operating system do you plan on using for your SQL Server VM (Windows or Linux)?
    2. Do you have any existing licenses or Software Assurance that you can utilize?
    3. Can you provide more details about your research cloud provider’s capabilities regarding SQL Server?
    4. Are there any specific compliance requirements or restrictions from your organization regarding software licenses?

    Thanks.

    Lakshmi.

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  2. Bruce (SqlWork.com) 81,191 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-10-24T16:46:13.28+00:00

    With a server + cal license, you buy a sql standard license for the vm you install Sqlserver in. You then buy a CAL for every unique user and devices that accesses the Sqlserver. The number of concurrent users does not matter. If your lab has 20 researches who access the Sqlserver, even if only 2 at a time, you need 20 CALs.

    note: if a unique user has 2 pcs, you only need 1 cal for that user. A device cal is required if the device has an unattended program that access the Sqlserver. A batch processor for example, that doesn’t require a user to login to run the batch processor.

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