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SQL Server Licensing
Hi Experts, I have purchased license, SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition (4-Core). I have created virtual machine with 4-vcore. 1) Can this license suffice on above created virtual machine to create multiple instances of SQL Server 2012 Standard Edition (4-Core)? 2) Can I use multiple versions of SQL Servers (2012 & 2014) having multiple instances on single server with above single 4-Core SQL Server 2014 standard edition license? We have used it in virtual machine having (4-Core). Many Thanks
I don't believe so. You license the cores to the product so if you purchased 4 core licenses it'll be valid for only a single instance, assuming that one instance has 4 cores.. If you stand up additional instances, you would need to purchase additional licenses for each individual instance. You could (I think - could be wrong) stand up two instances with 2 cores each (total of 4) and that would be valid. The licenses are for the most recent version. I believe that you can use an older version for that same license, however I'm not sure why you'd want to unless it's a requirement for a 3rd party vendor. And don't hold me to that as I'm not a licensing expert. Best bet would be to contact your licensing provider and ask them these questions. Licensing can be very confusing and they can ensure to get you the correct answer for your organization.
Hi John, Thanks for your reply.
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