If licensed by core, licenses are sold in packs of 2, with a minimum of 4 core licenses per socket, and the maximum number of CPU cores is based on the SQL Server edition, with the following limits for single instances of the Database Engine, Analysis Services (AR), or Reporting Services (RS) components : Edition Microsoft SQL Server licensing is based on both SQL edition and licensing options (per core or Server + CAL). Monitoring performance indicators to determine if SQL Server has enough resources for optimal performance.ĭownload Achieving Peak SQL Performance – Learn how an improved monitoring strategy can help optimize database performance and reduce the amount of dedicated resources needed for database monitoring and management.Evaluating which scenario is a best fit in terms of usage, configuration and licensing costs.