Microsoft SQL Server Enterprise – 2 Core License with Software Assurance provides organizations with access to Microsoft’s most advanced database platform for running mission-critical workloads, high-performance analytics, and large-scale enterprise applications. Designed for demanding data environments, SQL Server Enterprise delivers industry-leading performance, advanced security, and high availability capabilities.

This license covers two processor cores and is part of Microsoft’s core-based licensing model, allowing organizations to scale SQL Server deployments based on processing power. Additional 2-core licenses can be combined to license all physical or virtual cores running SQL Server.

This offering also includes Microsoft Software Assurance, providing valuable benefits such as version upgrade rights, license mobility, and enhanced deployment flexibility to support evolving IT infrastructures.

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Key Features

Enterprise-Grade Performance
High-performance database engine optimized for large transactional systems, analytics workloads, and enterprise data platforms.

Advanced High Availability
Includes Always On Availability Groups, failover clustering, and disaster recovery capabilities designed to minimize downtime.

Enhanced Security and Data Protection
Advanced encryption, data protection technologies, and security features help protect sensitive business data.

Advanced Analytics and Business Intelligence
Built-in tools support reporting, analytics, and large-scale data processing environments.

Hybrid Cloud Integration
Seamless integration with Microsoft Azure services for backup, disaster recovery, and extended data management capabilities.

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Software Assurance Benefits

Software Assurance provides additional value and flexibility, including:

• New Version Rights – Upgrade to new SQL Server versions released during the coverage period

• License Mobility – Flexibility to move SQL Server workloads across servers or virtual environments

• Unlimited Virtualization Rights (with Software Assurance) for highly virtualized deployments

• Planning and Deployment Support – Access to Microsoft tools and resources for infrastructure planning and optimization

• Extended Support Benefits

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Licensing Model

SQL Server Enterprise is licensed using a core-based licensing model.

Key licensing requirements include:

• Each license covers two processor cores

• All physical or virtual cores running SQL Server must be licensed

• Additional 2-core license packs can be combined to meet total core requirements

Unlike Server + CAL licensing models, SQL Server Enterprise does not require Client Access Licenses (CALs).