SQL Management Studio Licensing

[compstorm]

We have been trying to figure out the licensing requirements for SQL Management Studio. We currently have a SQL Standard Edition (2 processor license). We would like to install the Management Studio on a number IT computers. The problem is that I have found conflicting information from Microsoft regarding the eligibility of client computers:

According to Microsoft’s SQL 2005 FAQ (

http://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/faq.mspx):

Q. Do I need a separate license to run the SQL Server tools and analysis services?

A. No, a separate license is not required. However, any device that has SQL Server tools or technologies installed must have a valid SQL Server license.


This states that every device that has the Management Studio is required to also have a SQL Server license. This would have made sense if it said "SQL Server CAL".


Now if you examine the SQL Server 2005 Standard EULA:

...
Running Instances of the Additional Software: You may run or otherwise use any number of instances of additional software listed below on any number of devices. You may use additional software only with the server software directly, or indirectly through other additional software.

• Analysis Services Shared Tools
• Business Intelligence Development Studio
• SQL Server 2005 Books Online
• Connectivity Components
• Legacy Components
• Management Tools
• Notification Services Client Components
• Reporting Services Report Manager
• Reporting Services Shared Tools
• SQL Server 2005 Shared Tools
• Software Development Kit
...


Now this states that any number of computers can have the Management Studio installed so long as they are connecting to a licensed SQL server.

Which one is correct??

 

[SQLBill]

My understanding/opinion.

You have to license any part that has a database. You do not have to license any tool that just connects to a database.

Example: you can install Reporting Services with its own database or without. If you install it with a database, you must have a license for it. If you install Reporting Services and use it to connect to a database on another server, you do not need a license for Reporting Services.

Likewise, you can install SSMS anywhere without a license as long as the database(s) you are connecting to are properly licensed.

-SQLBill

The following is part of my signature block and is only intended to be informational.
Posting advice: FAQ481-4875

 

[mrdenny]

My FAQ on licensing should help you out faq962-5153.

When it comes to the client tools there is no license for the client tools. If you will be using the client tools to connect to a SQL Server that SQL Server needs to either have CPU licensing, or you need to have either a user CAL or device CAL for the user or device which will be connecting to the SQL Server.

With the other services things get a little more expensive.

If you install Reporting Services and the SQL Server engine on the same server then you need a single license (either a server license or the correct number of CPU licenses). If you install SSRS on one server and the SQL Server engine on another server then you need to license both servers (two Server licenses if using CALs or enough CPU licenses for both servers). If the SSRS is for internal use and the SQL Server is for outside use then the SSRS server can have a server license provided that all employees which connect to SSRS have a CAL. If the SSRS is for external use connecting to the SQL Server then both need CPU licenses.

Same goes for SSAS, SSIS, etc.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

My Blog

 

[djj55]

Denny, I thought I would let you that MS has moved some pages referenced in your FAQ. I believe this is the new one:

http://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/licensing.mspx

Thank for the post as we are going through the process.
djj

 

[compstorm]

Thanks everyone for your help!

 

[mrdenny]

OK, thanks. I'll update the FAQ.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

My Blog