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Switching from SQL Server/CAL based licensing to core based licensing model for all SQL servers

Pratibha 0 Reputation points
2024-05-10T06:34:06.92+00:00

We are using Server+CAL licensing model for all SQL servers in our organization. Due to the limitation of number of cores supported by CAL based license, we are planning to switch to core based license.

Upon checking with client, he informed, "Under the agreement, you are licensed for both unlimited SQL Core and SQL Server/CAL licensing. Whilst there is no straight upgrade path, you can re-license the servers using the Core Based Enterprise server, there is no additional purchase required. "

I want to ask - Can we switch to the core-based licensing model with the same product key? What is the approach of upgrading servers from CAL based to core-based license for all SQL servers?

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  1. Erland Sommarskog 102.2K Reputation points
    2024-05-10T21:51:39.7+00:00

    Licensing is mainly a matter of paper, so you should be able to do the deal and buy the new licenses with no technical implications.

    However, when it comes license matters, this is not a good place to get help, since this is a technical forum, and licensing is a legal matter.

    See the answers in the thread https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1664731/c-mo-recupero-la-informaci-n-de-licencia-olp-micro for contact information you can use to get help.

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  2. MikeyQiao-MSFT 650 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-05-11T08:41:35.8166667+00:00

    Hi，Pratibha

    Changing the licensing mode is a very delicate process. SQL Server allows you to change the product key through the Installation Center, but does not provide an option to change the licensing mode. This means you will need to reinstall SQL Server and migrate the data.

    Refer tohttp://www.picacommunications.com/briefs/SLA_SQL_ConvertProc2core.pdf

    For question regarding pricing / licensing please contact a Microsoft sales partner or licensing expert.

    Please call 1-800-426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time) to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist. Or you can go to Volume Licensing Service Center support. Please choose region/language and choose to call or have web. People there will help you more effectively.

    Regards，

    Mikey Qiao

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.