Using SQL Server Developers edition on a Test Server

Question

Later this year we'll be upgrading our SQL Server 2008 to 2012,  Right now we're using SQL Standard 2008  edition on a server we're using for both development and test.  The manager working with our Microsoft rep says all we need is the developers edition on this server.  That just doesn't sound right to me.  Does that sound kosher?  Thanks

MarcoBoeringa · Answer

Later this year we'll be upgrading our SQL Server 2008 to 2012,  Right now we're using SQL Standard 2008  edition on a server we're using for both development and test.  The manager working with our Microsoft rep says all we need is the developers edition on this server.  That just doesn't sound right to me.  Does that sound kosher?  Thanks

I think this link answers your question:

http://dba.stackexchange.com/questions/37149/when-is-it-appropriate-to-use-sql-server-developer-edition

As long as all of the users of your test environment have an associated developer or developer CAL (client access license) license, you should be fine... If instead, you have only a limited amount of (MSDN) developer licenses, and a lot of non-licensed "normal" users are involved in testing (at least a significant bigger number than you have developer licenses), you might be violating the license agreement... it seems to work on a per-user basis.

These two links may be of use too:

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/sqlserver/en-US/2f40a273-a928-4e05-93e3-b4196283a1a4/sql-server-license-for-developer-edition

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/about-licensing/client-access-license.aspx

ShannonShields · Answer

While we do not certify ArcGIS software with Developer Edition, it will work with our software in a development & test environment. We use it in-house for development work. As far as whether your usage violates the Microsoft EULA, that is something that only Microsoft can answer.