- Language Multilingual, German
- Editions Windows
- Language Multilingual, German
- Language Multilingual, German
- Language Multilingual, German
- Language Multilingual, German
- Language Multilingual, German
- Editions Windows
- Language Multilingual, German
- Editions Windows
- Language Multilingual, German
- Editions Platform-independent
- Language Multilingual, German
- Language Multilingual, German
- Licence type CSP
- Editions Windows
- Language Multilingual, German
- Licence type Open Value Licence
- Language Multilingual, German
- Licence type Open Value Licence
- Language Multilingual, German
- Language Multilingual, German
- Editions Windows
- Language Multilingual, German
30-day best price: €11,899.00* -18.03%
- Editions Windows
- Language Multilingual, German
Buy Microsoft SQL Server – Database management for businesses
Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) designed for professional data management, fast queries (T-SQL), secure access control and stable processing of business-critical workloads – from small-scale ERP/CRM systems to high-availability enterprise platforms. SQL Server typically runs on-premises (Windows Server), but can also operate in a hybrid setup with Azure services (depending on the version and features).
SQL Server is particularly of interest to businesses if they…
- need to store structured data consistently and process it with transaction integrity (orders, customers, accounts),
- need predictable performance and scalability (indexing, query optimisation),
- wish to implement security and compliance effectively (roles, auditing, encryption depending on edition and features),
- wish to consolidate reporting and analytics on a stable platform (e.g. data marts, BI scenarios).
What is SQL Server used for?
Typical areas of use in businesses:
- ERP/CRM & inventory management: central database for transactions, products, customers and workflows.
- Web & app back-ends: structured data storage for portals, APIs and internal tools.
- Data analysis & reporting: data marts, reports, dashboards (depending on edition/components).
- Integration & automation: data imports/exports, ETL processes, interfaces to third-party systems.
- High availability & business continuity: with extended HA/DR scenarios where required (particularly in the Enterprise edition).
Comparison of SQL Server Editions
In practice, the Standard and Enterprise editions are the most relevant for businesses. Microsoft positions Standard as offering ‘fully-featured database capabilities’ for mid-tier workloads and Enterprise for ‘mission-critical’ scenarios with maximum performance, high availability and security.
SQL Server Standard
SQL Server Standard is the typical choice for:
- small to medium-sized environments,
- traditional line-of-business applications, data marts,
- reliable performance and key core functions – without the ‘high-end’ features of the Enterprise edition.
SQL Server Enterprise SQL
Server Enterprise is aimed at:
- large, business-critical databases,
- the most demanding requirements for performance, high availability and security,
- complex HA/DR architectures and enterprise features.
| Criterion | Standard | Enterprise |
| Target audience | SMEs / mid-tier applications, data marts | Large enterprises, big data |
| Scope of functions | Basic functions: storing, managing and querying data | Additional features for performance, high availability and security |
| Licence models | Server+CAL or per core | Per core (and available accordingly in Microsoft offerings/programmes) |
| Typical reasons | Cost-benefit balance | Maximum scalability, HA/DR depth, enterprise features |
An overview of Microsoft SQL Server versions
SQL Server 2019
SQL Server 2019 is a tried-and-tested version for many production environments if you are looking for stable compatibility and traditional on-premises operating models. System requirements and supported platforms are clearly documented.
SQL Server 2022
SQL Server 2022 expands on the hybrid focus (Azure integrations and governance scenarios depending on features and setup) and is often the ‘standard recommendation’ if you are planning a new deployment today and want a modern platform.
SQL Server 2025
SQL Server 2025 is the latest generation and introduces, amongst other things, new features relating to modern data and AI scenarios (e.g. vector/AI capabilities depending on the feature set). SQL Server 2025 has its own system requirements and edition-specific feature sets.
SQL Server licensing explained simply
Microsoft specifies two main licensing models for SQL Server: Per Core and Server + CAL.
SQL Server Core-based licensing
With Core licensing, you licence the computing power (cores) of the server or VM:
- You licence the cores on which SQL Server runs – without the need for additional access licences for users or devices.
- Microsoft states the following basic principle: Per-core licensing allows an unlimited number of connections (internal/external) because no CALs are required. Important in practice:
- With physical licensing, the physical cores of the server must be taken into account.
- Microsoft specifies minimum allocations (e.g. at least four core licences per physical processor for core-based models).
SQL Server Server + CAL model
With the Server + CAL model, you purchase:
- a server licence for the SQL Server instance/server and
- additionally, CALs for all users or devices that access the server.
This is often worthwhile if the number of accessing users or devices is clearly limited (e.g. an internal team, fixed terminals) and you do not need to open up access to many external clients.
SQL Server CAL (User CAL vs. Device CAL)
A CAL is not software, but rather an access right to server services.
- User CAL: ideal when one person accesses the system using multiple devices (laptop, PC, tablet).
- Device CAL: ideal when a device is used by different people (shift work, cash registers/terminals).
Licensing in virtualised environments
Virtualisation is a classic scenario in terms of licensing – the key factor is how you licence it:
Per VM/container (per core): Microsoft describes licensing based on virtual cores; typically, a minimum threshold applies (e.g. at least four core licences per VM).
Fully licence the host (per core): In some scenarios, it may make sense to fully licence the host by cores in order to flexibly run multiple SQL instances/VMs (depending on edition, use rights and contracts).
SQL Server System Requirements
The official minimum requirements (CPU/RAM/storage/OS) for the respective version are decisive for planning purposes:
- SQL Server 2019: including at least 6 GB of free storage space (depending on components), x64 platform, further requirements as per Microsoft Learn.
- SQL Server 2022: including at least 6 GB of storage, 1 GB of RAM (non-Express), recommended minimum of 4 GB (more depending on database size), x64 CPU; supported Windows/Windows Server versions as per the list.
- SQL Server 2025: similar base requirements (6 GB storage, RAM recommendations) and OS support from Windows Server 2019+ or Windows 10+; details in the official requirements documentation.
Buy SQL Server licences at affordable prices from LizenzDeals24
When you buy your Microsoft SQL Server licence from LizenzDeals24, you benefit from a quick and straightforward process. You’ll receive your original product key conveniently by email – with no delivery time and no waiting period. This is a permanent, one-off licence, so there are no ongoing subscription fees and you have long-term planning certainty.
Activation is swift and transparent, allowing you to get your database environment up and running quickly. And should you have any questions during installation or licence activation, our expert technical support team is on hand to provide personalised assistance and reliable help with the set-up.
Installation & Activation of SQL Server
Typical procedure:
- Start the setup Run the SQL Server installation file (Setup.exe).
- Select installation type Select the ‘New SQL Server standalone installation’ option to set up a standalone instance.
- Enter product key Enter your valid SQL Server licence key during setup to activate the required edition.
- Select components Specify the required components, e.g. Database Engine services or management tools, depending on the intended use.
- Complete the installation Follow the remaining installation instructions (instance configuration, server settings, authentication mode) and complete the installation.
Once setup is complete, SQL Server is ready for use and can be administered via SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
