Why Is Microsoft SQL Server Priced by Core Quantity? - A Comprehensive Guide

Microsoft SQL Server, a widely utilised relational database management system, has grown in popularity due to its exceptional performance, stability, and advanced features. In this article, we aim to explore the rationale behind Microsoft's choice to sell SQL Server based on core quantity. We will delve into the intricacies of this pricing model, offering clarity to those seeking answers.

The core-based licensing model adopted by Microsoft for its SQL Server products is a more equitable and flexible pricing approach as compared to the older per-processor or per-user models. This method of pricing accounts for the server's processing power and allows customers to pay based on their specific usage.

1. By selling SQL Server licenses per core, Microsoft ensures that customers pay a fair price in relation to their hardware's capabilities. This method enables users to scale up or down according to their individual requirements, ultimately leading to a more cost-effective solution for organisations of all sizes.
2. The core-based licensing model encourages customers to utilise hardware with a higher number of cores. More cores can contribute to improved performance, particularly for high-transaction, high-availability applications. This model empowers organisations to invest in powerful hardware and optimise their infrastructure to better support the needs of their users.
3. Core-based licensing simplifies the process of purchasing and managing SQL Server licenses. It eliminates the need for users to track individual Client Access Licenses (CALs), as the total licensing cost is determined by the number of cores in the server. This approach reduces complexity and minimises the risk of non-compliance.
4. As hardware technology advances, multicore processors have become the norm. Microsoft's decision to adopt a core-based pricing model reflects the industry's shift towards multicore architecture, ensuring that customers benefit from improved efficiency and performance.

Microsoft's decision to sell SQL Server based on core quantity offers customers a more equitable, scalable, and simplified pricing model. By taking into account the server's processing power, this approach enables users to pay for what they need, ensuring a cost-effective solution for organisations of all sizes.