SQL Server pricing?

[pete]

I've just been quoted £1224.30 per processor (dual cpu box) for SQL Server 2005 (this is for SIMS - the vendor can't get 2K licences any more, and they're downgradable).

 

That seems _very_ expensive given the obscene discounts schools normally get on MS kit.

CALs are 8.41 each, which seems about right?

 

(now this wasn't my usual account manager and despite my "Are you sure?!!" reactions, she may have fouled up the server pricing).

[ChrisC]

Who is giving you this quote?

 

Chris

[plexer]

SQL Server 2005 standard £199 from Ramesys

 

But then they also list:

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition 1 Processor Licence @ £1299

 

A lot of difference.

 

Ben

[Alex]

I've just been quoted £1224.30 per processor (dual cpu box) for SQL Server 2005 (this is for SIMS - the vendor can't get 2K licences any more, and they're downgradable).

 

That seems _very_ expensive given the obscene discounts schools normally get on MS kit.

CALs are 8.41 each, which seems about right?

 

(now this wasn't my usual account manager and despite my "Are you sure?!!" reactions, she may have fouled up the server pricing).

 

that approx 50% what SQL Server is on per CPU licensing for non-education.

 

You have to work out whether it is cheaper to get server + cals or per cpu licensed server. e.g. If you've only got 5 people using sims, it's cheaper to buy server + cals. If you've got 1000 - per cpu.

 

I *think* it's per concurrent connection as opposed to per any other user count, but you might want to dbl check that.

[pete]

SQL Server 2005 standard £199 from Ramesys

 

But then they also list:

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition 1 Processor Licence @ £1299

 

A lot of difference.

 

Ben

 

I was led to believe that SQL Server Standard 2005 wouldn't be licensed for a dual processor box? Have I been misled / can it use both processors?

 

[edit: seeing Alex's post, it appears I have been misled]. Now I need to work out how many connections a sims session can spawn. (~75 concurrent users with electronic reg.)

 

@ChrisC

The quote is from a well-known vendor who are usually pretty good, I think this is a case of random person doing cover work for account manager.

[petectid]

If you purchase processor licenses you will need one license for each processor whether SQL server makes use of both processors or not. There is no need to purchase CALs as the processor license allows for connections from inside and outside the organisation without CALs.

[theriver]

petectid - not entirely true, you need to licence per processor that is available via the OS.

 

pete, SQL Server 2005 Standard will support 4 processors.

 

I am showing my ignorance of SIMS here - will it not work on SQL Server Express?

[meastaugh1]

Last I heard, SIMS isn't 'validated' for 2005, but that was several months ago.

[NetworkGeezer]

Last I heard, SIMS isn't 'validated' for 2005, but that was several months ago.

 

You're right. When this questionj came up in the Technical forum the general message was that it won't be supported for a while yet.

[pete]

@all,

cheers for that, thought it was a bit pricey. We'll go for standard + CALS.

 

With regard to SIMS supporting 2005 / express , it doesn't, as people mentioned, but I can't get 2000 licences. 2005 licences can be "downgraded" for use with 2K / media (which is still available) in the same way that you can use a XP Pro licence for a 2K Pro installation.