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boxmonkey
Starting Member
23 Posts |
 Posted - 2005-03-22 : 19:11:03
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| Hi, I work for a library, so we're fairly limited budget-wise. We're currently running SQL Server 2000 on a 600MHz PIII machine, with a processor license.We have been given a directive to expand our use of SQL Server to include an ILL Web Application, Project Management Software, and Statistical Data Entry programs.Well, without doing any homework, our manager went and blew our budget on a dual Xeon 3.2GHz system with 4GB RAM and an unimpressive 60GB RAID 5 setup.It's a nice system and all, but now we have a licensing problem. We will be required to purchase another processor license before we can use this machine at all (old machine will be decomissioned).So, I've been instructed to explore our options. I'm trying to understand how CAL licensing works and if it is even remotely possible that it could be applicable to our situation.I know, as a general rule, Web access = processor license. But I want to know if it's even possible to do it differently.For example, could we purchase 20 CALs and restrict incoming connections to 20, so there would only be 20 users on the system at a time? Or do we have to license each individual user who MIGHT connect to the system, even if we KNOW they won't be connected all at the same time? I've read all the documentation I could find on the microsoft website, and I'm still thoroughly confused.In all reality, if we could go with CALs, we'd probably need 30, certainly under 50. 50 CALs would be about half the price of an additional processor license.Plus if we could go with CALs, we could keep the other server running for testing and backups, since we'd still have the 1 processor license not being used. |
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derrickleggett
Pointy Haired Yak DBA
4184 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-22 : 19:20:42
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| 1. You don't have to license your development servers.2. There are two different kinds of CAL licenses. Are any of these systems accessible over the internet though? If so, you will need to buy processor licenses. 3. Contact a Microsoft sales rep. They have special licensing for education institutions. Library = Education InstitutionMeanOldDBAderrickleggett@hotmail.comWhen life gives you a lemon, fire the DBA. |
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boxmonkey
Starting Member
23 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-22 : 19:48:26
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| We are working with academic licensing, but the costs are still somewhat prohibitive.The new server will be hosting an online web-based inter-library loan request service, so it will be accessible over the internet, though we are expecting minimal use. It seems that there is no way to get a per-connection license, so I guess we're stuck having to buy processor licenses. |
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robvolk
Most Valuable Yak
15732 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-22 : 19:57:36
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| What about taking one of the CPU's out of the new server? |
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eyechart
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker
3575 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-22 : 20:44:56
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quote:
Originally posted by derrickleggett
1. You don't have to license your development servers.
You still have to license your development environments. DEV environments are much cheaper though since all you need is an MSDN subscription for each developer. Users performing usability testing do not need to be licensed.You can also get developer edition, but you will need to buy a copy for every user of your system. Very cheap though, might be free for all I know with an academic license.-ec |
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eyechart
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker
3575 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-22 : 20:45:34
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quote:
Originally posted by robvolk
What about taking one of the CPU's out of the new server?
What about disabling the 2nd cpu in SQL Server instead of having to purchase another CPU license? From Microsoft's SQL Licensing FAQ:http://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/faq.aspquote:
Q. How do I license SQL Server 2000? A. In general, there are three options for licensing SQL Server in a production environment: * Processor license. Requires a single license for each CPU in the operating system instance running SQL Server. If you have made a processor inaccessible to all operating system copies on which the SQL Server software is set up to run, you do not need a software license for that processor. This license does not require any device or user client access licenses (CALs). * Server plus device CALs. Requires a license for the device or user running SQL Server, as well as a CAL for each client device. * Server plus user CALs. Requires a license for the computer running SQL Server, as well as a CAL for each user.
I think an argument can be made based upon what they say in their FAQ. But you better get your Microsoft rep to sign off on it.-ec |
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boxmonkey
Starting Member
23 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-22 : 21:11:51
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| We don't...have a rep, at least not to my knowledge. I can ask tomorrow to be sure...Disabling the second CPU will probably be a no go, since my manager already jumped through all the hoops to demonstrate to the higher-ups why we should get a second processor. He's not about to go back to them and tell them that we need to turn it off. I don't think he will anyway. |
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eyechart
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker
3575 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-23 : 01:43:39
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quote:
Originally posted by boxmonkey
We don't...have a rep, at least not to my knowledge. I can ask tomorrow to be sure...Disabling the second CPU will probably be a no go, since my manager already jumped through all the hoops to demonstrate to the higher-ups why we should get a second processor. He's not about to go back to them and tell them that we need to turn it off. I don't think he will anyway.
I don't mean to disable the cpu, just configure SQL so that it will not use the 2nd cpu.-ec |
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mr_mist
Grunnio
1870 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-23 : 04:27:56
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| Yep. Sounds like your best option for now at least would be to disable the second CPU for sql server. You could then make "better use of the remaining cpu power" with other applications.-------Moo. :) |
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jason
Posting Yak Master
164 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-23 : 10:33:37
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| How big will your database(s) be for the web projects?If they're small enough, you could consider SQL Express? I could be totally off the mark here, but thought I'd throw that out as an option. You could always run data transfer jobs to sync with your main repository on the full SQL server. Use the old PIII as your web server and use the dually for running reports, etc. |
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boxmonkey
Starting Member
23 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-23 : 12:37:06
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| "If you have made a processor inaccessible to all operating system copies on which the SQL Server software is set up to run, you do not need a software license for that processor."Doesn't that mean the CPU has to be disabled for the OS, not just for the SQL Software? |
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jason
Posting Yak Master
164 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-23 : 12:40:07
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| No, you can assign SQL server to specific processor(s). |
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boxmonkey
Starting Member
23 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-23 : 12:40:39
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| The software we're using for the web side stuff is called ILLiad, and the specifications call for SQL Server 2000 Standard, so I don't think I'd be able to get away with SQL Express... |
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JimL
SQL Slinging Yak Ranger
1537 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-23 : 12:57:25
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| According to microsoft SQL server 2005 will not charge for the extra processor. [url]http://www.microsoft.com/sql/2005/productinfo/Dell_SQL_Anncmt.wvx[/url]JimUsers <> Logic |
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boxmonkey
Starting Member
23 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-23 : 13:32:11
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| I just watched that video and they will not charge for extra cores (they don't do this with 2000 anyway), but they will charge per processor. |
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JimL
SQL Slinging Yak Ranger
1537 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-23 : 15:16:11
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| They state that you can use the standard addition on up to 4 processors without additional charge.JimUsers <> Logic |
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boxmonkey
Starting Member
23 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-23 : 15:26:25
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| The info screen they flash up says:MicrosoftSQL Server 2005Standard Edition4CPU, Unlimited RAM (64-bit)Database MirroringAnalysis Services & Reporting ServerFull Replication & SSB PublishingNew Integration Services$5,999 per proc or$2,799 Server + 10 usersI've watched it twice now and saw/heard no mention of using it on 4 processors without additional charge. |
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JimL
SQL Slinging Yak Ranger
1537 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-23 : 15:55:30
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| I stand corrected.Somehow I transposed the core statement.My micosoft rep stated you do Qualify for the educatonal discount provided you do not charge for your services.This is the best price I found.http://www.journeyed.com/itemDetail.asp?TRAN85=Y&T1=18271727+LJimUsers <> Logic |
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jason
Posting Yak Master
164 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-23 : 15:55:44
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| Taken from: http://www.businessintelligence.com/ex/asp/id.943/xe/binewsdetail.htmSQL Server 2005 can be licensed in the following three ways to meet customers' unique requirements:-- Processor license, a separate license for each processor in a server running SQL Server-- Server plus device CALs, a separate license for each server running SQL Server, plus a client access license (CAL) for each client device-- Server plus user CALs, a separate license for each server running SQL Server, plus a CAL for each user accessing the server |
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boxmonkey
Starting Member
23 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-23 : 18:13:32
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| Ok. I'm writing a "decision package" to explain to my boss and his boss what the options are. All is mostly clear, except for this:If we buy 1 processor license, and transfer the other 1 processor license to the new server, can we keep the old server running as a backup or for testing purposes, or are we going to have to purchase 2 proecessor licenses in order to do that? |
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jason
Posting Yak Master
164 Posts |
Posted - 2005-03-23 : 18:39:10
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| Under the 'proposed' agreement it looks like Microsoft will allow us to keep another server as a backup without the extra cost.As for the current agreements, I think you are getting into a gray area that you could justify. You really should consider contacting Microsoft and find your rep. It won't cost you anything to talk with them. |
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Complex licensing question