Question about SQL Server Licensing

Aaron Sommerich 1 Reputation point
2021-03-26T14:15:41.127+00:00

We have an 2016 Enterprise AG, on each node we have a DBATools DB that is not part of the AG.

The question is simply this. Does a standalone Database violate licensing for the Secondary node even if there is no sort of active load being done on that DB when it is passive?

Thank you

SQL Server
SQL Server
A family of Microsoft relational database management and analysis systems for e-commerce, line-of-business, and data warehousing solutions.
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  1. Erland Sommarskog 100.1K Reputation points MVP
    2021-03-26T22:44:03.65+00:00

    So this is not a good place to ask about licensing. People here are techies, not legals.

    But so much I understand that if that non-AG database on the secondary database is a production database you need a license. And, well, since it is an Enterprise instance, you always need a license - unless it is strictly only for failover. So I think you need a license.

    But if you want an authorative answer, contact your local Microsoft representative.

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  2. AmeliaGu-MSFT 13,961 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2021-03-29T03:21:43.17+00:00

    Hi AaronSommerich-5197,

    In addition, for detailed information about the license issue, you can consult professionals in this area calling 1-800-426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time). For international customers, please use the https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/worldwide to find contact information in your locations. For Volume Licensing Service Support, please use the https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/servicecenter/Help/Contact.aspx to contact information for your country.

    Best Regards,
    Amelia

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