SQL Server 2012 Licensing Changes Impact IT Budgets

KIRKLAND, Washington, April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

- Volume Licensing Customers Can Defer Cost

Independent analyst firm Directions on Microsoft recently hosted a briefing for IT planners and software managers to explain a major shift in the way Microsoft is licensing SQL Server 2012: the replacement of per-processor licensing with per-core licensing.  A recording of the March 22nd briefing is available at http://www.DirectionsOnMicrosoft.com/SQL_Server_Licensing.

During the discussion, over 500 participants were surveyed to gauge the potential impact of the new rules on corporate IT budgets. According to Directions on Microsoft licensing expert Wes Miller, two conclusions emerged:

Many companies will be affected. Fifty-one percent of attendees said their companies use the per-processor model. Per-core licensing will generally require many of these companies to pay more for SQL Server licenses than under the per-processor model. Miller stated, "The financial impact of the change on many companies is likely to be material."

The effects will be delayed. Over half of attendees said that their companies purchase SQL Server licenses under an Enterprise Agreement or Enrollment for Application Platform. Companies with these long-term agreements in place as of April 1, 2012 will often be able to keep buying SQL Server under the per-processor model. According to Miller, "Many customers will get a reprieve from per-core licensing for up to three years. It all depends on how they acquired SQL Server under their existing agreements."

Those interested in understanding SQL Server 2012 licensing may also be interested in learning more about Directions on Microsoft licensing guides and trainings for IT professionals. Learn more at: http://www.microsoftlicensingbootcamp.com.

About Directions on Microsoft

Directions on Microsoft is an independent IT analyst firm focused exclusively on Microsoft technologies since 1992. Directions is best known for its Microsoft Enterprise Software Roadmaps and Microsoft Licensing Guides. Their two-day Microsoft Licensing Boot Camp provides graduate-level training on how to effectively license Microsoft products such as Windows and Windows Server, Exchange, SharePoint, SQL Server and Office.

Contact: +1-425-739-4669, Licensing@DirectionsonMicrosoft.com