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How licensing works in SQL clustering?

  • January 14, 2011 at 3:32 am

    #230246

    Can somebody please enlighten me regarding the licensing using clusters?

    Currently, we have a Production server that has a clustering with 2 SQL 2008 instances.

    In the future, we are planning to expand and have 2 more additional clustering for SQL2008 R2.

    Does this mean that we also need 2 additional licenses? Or we no longer need additional licenses because it is already seating in a processor-licensed server?

    Thanks

  • January 14, 2011 at 3:59 pm

    #1273842

    smile_netz (1/14/2011)

    Can somebody please enlighten me regarding the licensing using clusters?

    Currently, we have a Production server that has a clustering with 2 SQL 2008 instances.

    In the future, we are planning to expand and have 2 more additional clustering for SQL2008 R2.

    Does this mean that we also need 2 additional licenses? Or we no longer need additional licenses because it is already seating in a processor-licensed server?

    Thanks

    Do you have processor licenses for each socket on both nodes? For example, if you have 2 quad-core processors you would need 2 processors licenses for each machine.

    If both nodes are fully licensed, you can install as many instances as you want and can support in the cluster.

    However, if you only have enough licenses to satisfy a single node - then you have to run all instances on one node. You would have to insure that a failover would fail all instances over to the other node.

    Jeffrey Williams
    “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”

    ― Charles R. Swindoll

    How to post questions to get better answers faster
    Managing Transaction Logs

  • January 15, 2011 at 11:18 am

    #1273926

    My reading of this: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CCwQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.microsoft.com%2Fdownload%2F1%2Fe%2F6%2F1e68f92c-f334-4517-b610-e4dee946ef91%2F2008%2520SQL%2520Licensing%2520overview%2520final.docx&rct=j&q=sql%20server%20licensing&ei=g-QxTY3cJcbpgAf0uc3ACw&usg=AFQjCNG-uwJLVzdsMDmXMjfsjof5SGObzA&sig2=apGsuUhzdrjJMzFTMwPWtA&cad=rja

    says that passive nodes don't need licensing. this assumes the passive node has <= number of CPU sockets as the active node.

    When you say you want to add 2 more additional clustering, that doesn't mean anything. What are you adding? Instances, nodes?

    For multi-instancing, that licensing is the same on clustering as it is on non-clustered systems. Some editions allow this, some do not.

  • January 15, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    #1273939

    it's worth noting that the failover policy usually has a grace of 28 days before requiring licenses. As stated, If you intend to permanently run a SQL Server instance the node should be fully licensed. Generally you would fail the instance back as soon as the issues have been resolved

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    "Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉

  • January 15, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    #1273950

    Does that 28 days matter if the old primary node then becomes the inactive one? Isn't it OK as long as you always have one node inactive?

  • January 15, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    #1273952

    Steve Jones - SSC Editor (1/15/2011)

    Does that 28 days matter if the old primary node then becomes the inactive one? Isn't it OK as long as you always have one node inactive?

    I have never seen anything about this one way or the other. I had always assumed (I know, bad idea) that to be the case also. Since licensing now is all about the paperwork, and has nothing within SQL Server - as long as you can show only one node active at any given time you should be okay.

    As always with licensing questions - it would be best to consult with your MS representative to make sure.

    Jeffrey Williams
    “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”

    ― Charles R. Swindoll

    How to post questions to get better answers faster
    Managing Transaction Logs

  • January 16, 2011 at 1:05 am

    #1273960

    From the SQL Server Licensing Doc

    When doing failover support, a server is designated as the passive server. The purpose of the passive server is to absorb the data and information held in another server that fails. A passive server does not need a license, provided that the number of processors in the passive server is equal or less than those of the active server. The passive server can take the duties of the active server for 30 days. Afterward, it must be licensed accordingly.

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    "Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉

  • January 16, 2011 at 9:28 am

    #1273987

    Wow, that's interesting. I'll ask some people at MS.

  • January 16, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    #1274027

    We will be adding 2 more nodes then installing 1 instance on each node.

    Thanks

  • January 16, 2011 at 6:01 pm

    #1274054

    smile_netz (1/16/2011)

    We will be adding 2 more nodes then installing 1 instance on each node.

    Thanks

    I highly agree with what has been said when it comes to licensing, consult your MS representative.

    That said, IMHO, if any of the nodes are Active Nodes, they must be fully licensed. Any nodes that are Passive Nodes, don't unless you find yorself running on the Passive Node(s) for more than 30 days.

  • January 16, 2011 at 6:34 pm

    #1274060

    Ok, will do.

    Thanks all.

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