Correct SQL version? Developer vs. Standard 2014

  • I currently have a dedicated desktop PC (not a server) running SQL 2008. I have a dozen OLAP Cubes running with Analysis Services and two SQL databases that are accessed with Tableau.

    My PC is getting old and is due to be replaced. At the same time I change PCs I would like to upgrade my SQL software. My first research step was to check prices on Amazon (we'll have to purchase through our internal IT group but I wanted to see what was available). There appears to be two versions; Developer and Standard. One is $50 and the other is $3000. Is there anything that would prevent me from migrating my 2008 databases to 2014 and running with Developer? I don't understand when it says that Production databases are prohibited. I don't need client licenses, SQL will be running on one PC only.

    Any advice?

  • A developer license in only for develop purpose. If this is a production system then you must use standard (enterprise is probably outside a budget) or if limits is not a concern express edition

  • gkruse (2/20/2015)


    I currently have a dedicated desktop PC (not a server) running SQL 2008. I have a dozen OLAP Cubes running with Analysis Services and two SQL databases that are accessed with Tableau.

    Unless those dozen cubes and two SQL databases are used for development/test purposes ONLY, you may not use Developer edition.

    It doesn't matter whether the machine that the software is on is a server, desktop, laptop or whatever. It's the purpose of the databases that's important for the Developer licensing restriction.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Thanks Gail. So I need the Standard Edition to accomplish what I have with 2008. If my PC processor is an Intel Core i5 with multi-core (2 total), do I have to purchase 2 cores? This licensiing strategy is pretty Byzantine!!!

  • I can't answer that (not willing to be a lawsuit target)

    Standard can be, iirc, licensed with server and CAL. Do the maths, CAL may be cheaper if you only have a small number of users using the data. If it's internet-exposed or you can't count the end users, then it'll have to be core. Speak with a Microsoft licensing person for numbers and get everything they say in writing.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • I may just reinstall 2008 R2 on the new PC and forget about the expense of the upgrade. I really don't have anything to gain by migrating to 2014.

    Thanks for your advice.

  • Other than better performance, the new features of SQL 2014 and a version which is under support and will get service packs and updates?

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Make sure to take a look at AWS and AZURE. If your DB doesn't need to be up constantly and is a small size, the prices for online services may be worth a look. I might also look into 3rd party analysis services type applications and maybe even MySQL if cost is a concern.

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