Yes, multi-instance is available for SQL Server 2016 SSRS, and work is progressing on SQL 2017 support.   Drop us a note at support@windocks.com to let us know about...

Happy to help, and thanks for the positive feedback.  -- Paul

While the source image is "read only," each database clone supports full read/write, with a Copy on Write behavior.  So, backups can be implemented on the Dev machines if you...

When working with database clones the backup restore process is a one-time event to build the image (>docker build -t <imagename> c:\path\to\backups.   Once the image is built, the subsequent clones...

Yes, an upgrade every 10 years is recommended <gr>.  Windocks supports Server 2012 R2 and 2016, and Windows 8.1 and 10 Pro and Enterprise.

Thanks, anyone interested can drop me a note at pauls@windocks.com . . . we're always happy to help qualify projects, and provide free software for evaluation.  -- Paul

Thanks, it's good to have a point of comparison!

Yes, the SQL Server 2017 instance can be bare metal or VM.   The Windocks site has similar articles to the above on how we support instances.

You make a good point, containers aren't suited for all uses.   That is why we added data delivery for SQL Server instances as well, to enable delivery and use of...

Thanks Steve, I was reacting to your statement that containers are or should be limited to smaller data sets.   We see Fortune 500 companies adopting containers as a light-weight instances,...

Steve, containers don't virtualize data, but as you correctly note SQL Server containers without data offer limited utility.   You imply that SQL Server containers aren't supported with database cloning.   This...

I think there are two questions in this thread.   
1)  how do containers present an opportunity to save on license costs (the original question)?   
The answer for...

Lynn, Microsoft has recently published a guide to SQL Server 2017 licensing, and in that they outline what is referenced above, that each of the official Microsoft SQL Server containers...

Update as we begin 2018.   Windocks has extended support of SQL Server database clones to Microsoft's official SQL containers (both windows and linux), and this further enhances this approach for...

Update as we begin 2018.   Windocks has released SQL Server database cloning for MIcrosoft's SQL Containers and conventional instances (our design is very similar to Red Gate SQL Clone).   check...