One theme we have seen several times at The SAM Club is the spiralling licensing costs of SQL Server on premise. From client reviews we have completed we have seen several interesting scenarios including:
- DBA installing SQL Server Enterprise without realising the cost implications
- SQL Server Enterprise being installed in error
- Old VM’s being left switched on after upgrades resulting in further licenses being consumed
- SQL Server sprawl where the full extent of the installations compared to licenses owned wasn’t known
The first step for us at The SAM Club is to identify all the SQL Server installations and document the licenses owned. From here working with our clients, we identify which SQL Servers are:
- For Dev and Test purposes & can they be covered by VStudio or free SQL Developer licenses
- Active:Passive or Active:Active servers
- Installations where no license is required e.g. SCCM & Commvault
- Servers to be decommissioned
Once we have all the information and the effective license position is known then we can start to provide further analysis and recommendations.
In a recent review we completed for a client that has an SCE agreement for their SQL Server estate, we identified a shortfall in excess of £300k per annum. A project was kick started and discussions held as to how to reduce the deficit. A decision was made quite quickly based on the number of SQL Server Enterprise installations, to consider a separate dedicated SQL Server Farm licensed with SQL Server Enterprise. On completion of the project the shortfall was reduced to less than £55k per annum saving the client around £245k per annum – if this had been picked up in an audit situation.
With the reviews we complete, we consider the license options and the various license programs to find the most cost-effective solution. This proved invaluable to one of our clients who had a mixture of SQL Server Standard (licensed with User CALS) and SQL Server Enterprise licenses. The SQL Server User CALS were without Software Assurance and needed upgrading. The client’s initial thought was to purchase new SQL Server User CALS.
However, before rushing into a decision we completed a review of the SQL Server installations with the client. Based on the client’s plans and requirements and considering the licensing options for SQL Server Standard User CALS or the per Core license model as well as the subscription model we provided a cost analysis over a 6-year period. The license costs ranged from £316k to £210k over the 6-year period which is quite a significant difference and proved invaluable in helping the client with their decision process.
Contact The SAM Club if you are interested in an independent review of your SQL Server environment. We will provide a report based on our findings for your review and consideration.
The SAM Club is not a license reseller so you can be confident that the information we provide is unbiased, confidential and in your firm’s best interest. To know more please contact us at info@thesamclub.co.uk to arrange an exploratory discussion.
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