Microsoft SQL Server Standard – 2 Core License with Software Assurance provides organizations with a reliable and scalable database platform designed to support business applications, data management, and reporting workloads. SQL Server Standard delivers powerful relational database capabilities, built-in security features, and integrated analytics tools to help businesses manage and analyze critical data.

This license covers two processor cores and is part of Microsoft’s core-based licensing model, allowing organizations to license SQL Server based on the processing power used by the server. Additional 2-core license packs can be combined to meet the total number of cores required for the SQL Server deployment.

This offering also includes Microsoft Software Assurance, providing valuable benefits such as upgrade rights, license mobility, and enhanced deployment flexibility to help organizations maximize the value of their SQL Server investment.

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Key Features

Reliable Database Performance
Optimized database engine designed to support business applications, transactional systems, and reporting workloads.

Integrated Security
Built-in encryption and data protection technologies help secure sensitive business data.

Business Intelligence and Reporting
Includes tools for reporting services, data analysis, and operational insights.

Hybrid Cloud Capabilities
Integration with Microsoft Azure services enables hybrid cloud deployments and backup solutions.

Flexible Deployment Options
Supports both physical and virtualized environments.

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Software Assurance Benefits

Software Assurance adds valuable benefits, including:

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

• License Mobility – Move SQL Server workloads across servers or virtual environments

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

• Training and Support Resources

• Extended Software Lifecycle Benefits

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Licensing Model

SQL Server Standard supports core-based licensing for environments where tracking users is not practical.

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 may be combined to meet the total core count required

Core licensing does not require Client Access Licenses (CALs).

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Ideal For

• Small to mid-sized database environments

• Departmental applications

• Business reporting and analytics systems

• Virtualized database workloads

• Organizations with large or unknown user populations