Note: SQL Server 2008 Pricing and Licensing by Microsoft
SQL Server licensing and pricing are to intervined subjects and very important. I strongly suggest to use properly licensed SQL Server in any production environment. The concept of licensing can be confusing sometime to new administrators. If there is any confusion one should read following documentation from Microsoft for the purpose of clear idea and understanding.
SQL Server 2008 is available under three licensing models:
Server plus device client access license (CAL). Requires a license for the computer running the Microsoft server product, as well as CALs for each client device.
Server plus user client access license (CAL). Requires a license for the computer running the Microsoft server product, as well as CALs for each user.
Processor license. Requires a single license for each CPU in the operating system environment running SQL Server. This license includes unlimited client device access.
Following document explains key licensing considerations for SQL Server 2008 customers.
SQL Server 2008 Pricing and Licensing
Abstract courtesy : Microsoft
Reference : Pinal Dave (http://blog.SQLAuthority.com)










Hi Pinal dave
I have both 64bit installations (Cluster) and 32 bit installations; those are in SQL Server 2000/2005.
Now I recommended my company (MNC) to upgrade to SQL Server 2008.they agreed my proposal and they are ready to buy now.
Please tell me I have bought two versions separately or I will get both versions in single pack?
If not please could you suggest me what I have to ask my company to buy to get both versions.
Hi Pinal,
Can you please suggest what version/licence type you advise for the dedicated distribution server in a replication topology..
if we use the Server plus user client access license (CAL). then how many cals would we need since there will only be 1 or 2 users account from the publisher/subscriber.
thanks in advance.