SQL Client Access Licence requirements

  • rdeheld-535532 (4/24/2013)


    SQLKnowItAll (2/15/2012)


    @lutz

    Your scenario 1 most certainly requires an unlimited CAL license if you cannot account for all devices. This is one of those "indirect" scenarios that should have a socket license with unlimited CALs. Microsoft is basically saying, if your application of SQL Server has no way to be counted down to individual users/services, we offer you an unlimited license. Most cases, even in small companies, that is the more cost efficient option. If you are only using SQL Server for something like MS Great Plains (I use this because I have experience) where only 3 people access it, a license that comes with the 5 CALs is appropriate.

    I didn't have time to sort through your second question this morning 🙂

    @Steve... The problem with contacting Microsoft is that they can only explain the EULA to the best of their knowledge, but you are typically not talking to one of their attorneys. It is a great place to start of course, but at some point you either have to take a risk that your interpretation is right (hopefully lying on the conservative side) or get a lawyer that can help. At that point, you should just buy the socket license before the lawyer sucks you dry 🙂

    Hi I believe if you send reports to external users via email you will need either a call for those user or license per processor or core,

    My question now is, if we sell/charge for these reports do we need to license than via spla?

    Not sure that emailed reports need unlimited CAL or a CAL for each report. Again, these "people" are not "users." They do not touch the server directly or indirectly through an app. They are only receiving the email. I am pretty sure that you do NOT need unlimited CALs or a cal for each recipient for that. Again, check with an attorney or MS.

    Jared
    CE - Microsoft

  • Yes It does require license

    Read Multiplexing:

    "The number of tiers of hardware or software between the SQL Server and the user or devices that ultimately use its data, services, or functionality does

    not affect the number of CALs required:"

    Only when some one manualy forwards the emaill containing the report, Then its not required

  • rdeheld-535532 (4/24/2013)


    Yes It does require license

    Read Multiplexing:

    "The number of tiers of hardware or software between the SQL Server and the user or devices that ultimately use its data, services, or functionality does

    not affect the number of CALs required:"

    Only when some one manualy forwards the emaill containing the report, Then its not required

    That may be true, however I have seen different interpretations of this. Nevertheless, I am not an expert and cannot say for certain. My "interpretaion" based on Microsoft's example is different from yours. Their examples continue to show user1 (requires a CAL) accessing data and then emailing it to user2 (no CAL required). They do NOT ever mention the server emailing it directly to someone. My interpretation is that the server itself is doing the emailing and is acting as user1 who then emails a report to user2 (who does not require a CAL). Again, interpretation best left to people who can argue it in front of a judge.

    Jared
    CE - Microsoft

  • If you buy your licenses via a Microsoft licensed reseller, then talk to them. Their advice should be free as part of their service to you.

    They may not always give you the right advice. However, if you do take their advice and it is wrong at least you have plausible denyabilty. If your reseller is a Microsoft Gold artner then Microsoft accept full liability for any advice they give.

    If you work things out for your self and this does not comply with advice given by your reseller, then do not expect much leeway when you have your Microsoft audit.

    Original author: https://github.com/SQL-FineBuild/Common/wiki/ 1-click install and best practice configuration of SQL Server 2019, 2017 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008 and 2005.

    When I give food to the poor they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor they call me a communist - Archbishop Hélder Câmara

  • rdeheld-535532 (4/24/2013)


    Yes It does require license

    Read Multiplexing:

    "The number of tiers of hardware or software between the SQL Server and the user or devices that ultimately use its data, services, or functionality does

    not affect the number of CALs required:"

    Only when some one manualy forwards the emaill containing the report, Then its not required

    If the emailed report is static (the data for the report is included in the report) and does not need any direct (or indirect) access to SQL Server, then it isn't multiplexing and no license is required.

    If the report requires access to SQL Server to render the report, then yes the user of that report needs a license (CAL) for SQL Server.

  • Lynn Pettis (4/29/2013)


    If the emailed report is static (the data for the report is included in the report) and does not need any direct (or indirect) access to SQL Server, then it isn't multiplexing and no license is required.

    If the report requires access to SQL Server to render the report, then yes the user of that report needs a license (CAL) for SQL Server.

    I'd agree with this, and a nice, simple way of describing this.

  • EdVassie (4/29/2013)


    If your reseller is a Microsoft Gold artner then Microsoft accept full liability for any advice they give.

    .

    Hi any pointers to official / supporting docs re. the point above.??

    reason is that I am looking at some replacement systems that propose SQL Express on some devices.

    I am being told by a couple of Gold partners that SQL CAL licenses are not required on such devices...even tho there is upsert/replication between device SQL Express and main SQL db.

    Kind regards

    ________________________________________________________________
    you can lead a user to data....but you cannot make them think
    and remember....every day is a school day

  • J Livingston SQL (4/29/2013)


    EdVassie (4/29/2013)


    If your reseller is a Microsoft Gold artner then Microsoft accept full liability for any advice they give.

    .

    Hi any pointers to official / supporting docs re. the point above.??

    reason is that I am looking at some replacement systems that propose SQL Express on some devices.

    I am being told by a couple of Gold partners that SQL CAL licenses are not required on such devices...even tho there is upsert/replication between device SQL Express and main SQL db.

    Kind regards

    I'm not a MS Licensing expert, but I would say that SQL Server Express in this case is a multiplexing application for the main database and would require a device CAL.

  • Lynn Pettis (4/29/2013)


    J Livingston SQL (4/29/2013)


    EdVassie (4/29/2013)


    If your reseller is a Microsoft Gold artner then Microsoft accept full liability for any advice they give.

    .

    Hi any pointers to official / supporting docs re. the point above.??

    reason is that I am looking at some replacement systems that propose SQL Express on some devices.

    I am being told by a couple of Gold partners that SQL CAL licenses are not required on such devices...even tho there is upsert/replication between device SQL Express and main SQL db.

    Kind regards

    I'm not a MS Licensing expert, but I would say that SQL Server Express in this case is a multiplexing application for the main database and would require a device CAL.

    Hi Lynn

    I would agree with you...but I am dealing with MS Gold partners...hence the q re supporting documentation on MS accepting liability for said partner advice.

    problem is....having given a matrix of users/roles/devices required...still cant get anyone to commit to the SQL CAL costs...

    All quotes so far have been exclusive of SQL server/CAL licences....have a suspicion that when pushed the answer will to be to use EE

    ________________________________________________________________
    you can lead a user to data....but you cannot make them think
    and remember....every day is a school day

  • If your reseller is a Microsoft Gold partner then Microsoft accept full liability for any advice they give.

    This was something said to me by someone who has work with MS license resellers. The argument is that because anyone certified to Gold level is trusted by MS because they have achieved certification in their subject area and have access to internal MS documentation.

    If a Gold level reseller says you do not need a particular license, then if their advice is wrong they may loose Gold status. However because MS offload licensing to resellers, you as a customer have a defense in that you have relied on advice that the vendor has said in writing is trustworthy and the most accurate available. This URL is focussing on selling the partnership concept to businesses, but gives some idea of the mutual commitments https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/uk/pages/membership/core-benefits.aspx

    MS would struggle to dishonour any commitments made that conformed to the advice given by the Gold partner, at least until the next scheduled license renewal.

    Original author: https://github.com/SQL-FineBuild/Common/wiki/ 1-click install and best practice configuration of SQL Server 2019, 2017 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008 and 2005.

    When I give food to the poor they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor they call me a communist - Archbishop Hélder Câmara

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