We are creating a new database on a Windows 2019 datacenter server and they suggested getting Software Assurance.
This seems like a shit ton of money to spend on SQL. Our database it too big for going the free route but not sure Software Assurance is needed as we dont really need to upgrade for another four years I would think.

Anyone have any info on this?


1Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition - License & Software Assurance - 1 Server - 1 Year Acquired Year 1, Additional Product - Microsoft Open Value - English - PC$500.72$500.72
90Microsoft SQL Server - License & Software Assurance - 1 User CAL - 1 Year Acquired Year 1, Additional Product - Microsoft Open Value - English - PC$116.51$10,485.90
SubTotal:$10,986.62
Sales Tax:$878.93
Total:$11,865.55

Are you stating that your data load is too big for PostgreSQL to handle?

The engineers installing our ERP use Microsoft products.

I am wondering why software assurance is so much and what are the benefits of it.

Ah, so that's why you're picking Microsoft. Not because the data set is "too large" for something like PostgreSQL. (HINT: I very much doubt it is.)

As for software assurance, Microsoft is in the business these days of selling services. And that sounds like a service. Maybe it replaces something that used to exist but has been replaced.

Probably means its too large for the free SQL express version.

Are you getting that price from a webstore page?  I think if you called to discuss you would get some sort of volume discount.  Or find a local sales guy.

Local guy and we said screw it and bought it.

Hold on, are they charging you for 90 seats a year to... SQL Server?  That doesn't sound right.  What ERP are you using, and us that $11k reoccurring?

Software assurance allows you to upgrade to a new version if one is released during your three year term.

Nope. That is right. You have to pay per socket for the server and then per authenticated user or for an anonymous connector.

Only 90 seats and buying a socket license I'd get a second opinion.

Maybe a third. Microsoft licenses are so crazy that everyone will have a different opinion of what you need.