Joined on 07-16-2003
TechSoup Member
we are using a processor-intensive database to keep track of our clients. It uses SQL server on a Dell dual-proc machine. The database vendor just announced an upgrade which requires SQL Server 2005. ok, so far. Techsoup carries that title for $240.00 admin fee. Unfortunately, the only licensing model via techsoup is on the "per processor" licensing model, not server+cals, and the Microsoft donation program restricts us to one copy per year. Even the charity open license avenue is too expensive for us at this time. Are there any suggestions? Any possibility techsoup could go back to Microsoft and get the processor+cals licensing model added to the list of available SQL Server 2005 offerings? I really need some help. Thanks!
Have you considered taking a look at the SQL Server 2005 Express Edition? (And, if so, does the vendor support it?)
http://msdn.microsoft.com/sql/express/
I believe this is the current incarnation of what used to be called MSDE, which is a free, streamlined version of the full-blown SQL server. In most cases I have seen, the two are more or less interchangeable. Might be an option to discuss with them.
I'm not sure if it's feasible for your requirements but I believe you can disable a processor and just run 1 processor license until you can afford to get the 2nd or until next year when you can purchase another per processor license from Techsoup. You may want to consider leasing the purchase of the charity license to help spread the payments and make it more feasible for immediate purchase.
How many total CAL's would you need under the client/server licensing? May be cheaper buying the server license at ~$389 and CAL's at ~$37.00 each through the standard charity program depending on the amount of CAL's you need.
The database vendor just announced an upgrade which requires SQL Server 2005.
I would also add that it is very uncool of a software vendor to require an upgrade to a brand-new version (only been released a few months). Are sure this is an absolute requirement, or just a suggested upgrade?
I can't imagine they would be forcing all their customers to roll out a major server upgrade so soon. If so, you might consider doing some comparison shopping with other, more customer-friendly vendors.
yes you can select to allow only 1 cpu to run. I think it under servername --> properties --> processor tab. I'm also agree with mirrorshades that most of the database vendor I know will not even consider support the sql 2005 at this time. Because the product is so new and they need to do very extensive testing their product and bring their support people up-to-date when the roll out time is come.
I'm seeing vendors embrace SQL 2005, especially the 64 bit. This might save you if you have to upgrade.
I have seen SQL running a 65% utilization on quad 32 bit processors moved to SQL 2005 64 bit, utilization dropped to 11%.
My guess is you could move to 64 bit and one proc without any problem and get an enormous boost.
I know this might sound a little crazy, but do the math. It might save you money in the long run.
Joined on 02-16-2002
TechSoup Member
"A processor license includes access for an unlimited number of users to connect from inside the corporate local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) or outside the firewall. Customers do not need to purchase client access licenses (CALs)."
I took this to mean we don't have to buy extra licenses (like you would for something like Windows 2003 Server). I hope this is true, because we're planning on buying this in the next few months and we didn't count any extra CALs in our budget.
Joined on 04-13-2006
TechSoup Member
It looks like additional SQL Server 2005 processor licenses can be purchased for non-profits at: http://www.1computerbargains.com/
Today their website is showing $2709 for a single processor license (Part #: 228-03233).
Just curious, but what software is it you are using that is "processor intensive" on the server side???
How many concurrent users do you have?
Bob