Changes to Microsoft SQL Server License Compliance and What it means for Microsoft Dynamics ERP Users

Over the years the database management systems for Microsoft Dynamics ERP have changed and with that came several changes to the license requirements. The Microsoft SQL Server licensing terms regarding compliancy have always been in place and were based on a trust model between Microsoft, the Partner (Encore) and the end Customer. Changes have now been made in Microsoft’s order system enforcing Microsoft SQL Server Runtime compliance requirements to license 1 SQL Client Access License (CAL) per licensed user of the ERP solution. 

SQL Server 2014 Runtime CALs are licensed per NAMED user or device. Each individual directly or indirectly accessing SQL data (through a Microsoft Dynamics UI or any other mode) must be licensed with a SQL Server CAL. If the individual accesses the information uniquely via shared devices (and no other mode), those devices may be covered with SQL Server CALs, instead of having to license a SQL Server CAL for that individual, as long as the customer acquires a SQL Server CAL for each of those devices. SQL Server CAL is not licensed concurrently.

In a nutshell, any person that accesses the Dynamics ERP solution needs a SQL CAL assigned (unless licensing through Server Core Model).

Moving forward, when customers wish to order additional Dynamics ERP user licenses, they will be forced to purchase the required SQL Server Runtime Licenses at the same time or provide proof that SQL licenses were purchased via Volume Licensing. Please refer to the SQL Server 2014 Licensing Datasheet for more information.