SQL Server Licensing 101

Proposed session for SQLBits 2026

TL; DR

With a near infinite options to license SQL Server this session will show how to pick the right one for your environment and use case. Including how to license high availability and non-production environments.

Session Details

In the over 30 years of experience with SQL Server the most asked category questions from corporations and individuals are about licensing. This session will discuss the different ways to license SQL Server for production, development and testing. In both stand alone and High Availability/DR deployments in physical, virtual and cloud environments.
Managers and DBA's will learn how to license SQL Server correctly and efficiently over time.
This session is based on the SQL 2025 licensing but will also cover differences in older versions.

3 things you'll get out of this session

Understand the different options how to license SQL Server. Learn the differences between production and development. Learn how High Availability and DR change the picture

Thomas Grohser's other proposed sessions for 2026

42 TSQL Functions - 2026

Backup and Restore / Yes it's still the most important thing - 2026

Backup and Restore / Yes it's still the most important thing Part 2 - 2026

Managing SQL Server Error Log - 2026

Scaling Clustered Column Store Indexes - 2026

Shaving off Micros Seconds - 2026