INF: SQL Server 6.0 Pricing and Licensing Q and A
  
PSS ID Number: Q133702
Article last modified on 08-28-1995
 
6.00
 
Windows
 

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The information in this article applies to:
 
 - Microsoft SQL Server, version 6.0
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This article addresses common questions about Microsoft SQL Server 6.0
including features, pricing, and upgrade policies. For additional
information regarding Microsoft SQL Server 6.0 please contact your local
Microsoft reseller.
 
1.  Q. What's new in Microsoft SQL Server 6.0?
 
    A. Microsoft SQL Server version 6.0 is the first DBMS designed
       specifically for the new world of distributed client-server
       computing. It provides-in one box at one price-a complete and
       integrated system of database management software to meet the
       challenges facing today's global businesses.
 
       Key new technologies include:
       - Built-in data replication to enable distributed business
         applications.
       - Powerful 32 bit Windows-based enterprise management tools to
         reduce the costs of ownership.
       - Parallel architecture for substantially improved performance and
         scalability.
       - Improved data access and integration using OLE, ODBC and MAPI.
 
2.  Q How much does SQL Server 6.0 cost?
 
    A Pricing for SQL Server 6.0 is the same as for SQL Server 4.21. Each
      SQL Server costs approximately $999 and includes all the key
      technologies including data replication and enterprise management
      tools - things you would expect to pay extra for with competing
      products. In addition to the server price, you must also acquire a
      Client Access License for each desktop accessing SQL Server (or for
      each concurrent user). The cost of a Client Access License is around
      $149 each when purchased individually or about $119 each when
      acquired in groups of 20. Volume discounts are available.
 
3.  Q Have there been any licensing changes?
 
    A Licensing for SQL Server version 6.0 is the same as for SQL Server
      version 4.21a. Licenses for servers and users are acquired separately
      from each another. Each server license costs approximately $999,
      Client Access Licenses cost about $149 each or about $119 each in
      groups of 20.
 
4.  Q Can I still acquire SQL Server version 4.21a?
 
    A In order to support application development projects already
      underway, SQL Server version 4.21a will be available through
      Microsoft Select offerings and as a Master License Pack (MLP). Retail
      packaged versions of SQL Sever version 4.21a are no longer available.
 
5.  Q What is SQL Workstation?
 
    A SQL Workstation is a single user licensed version of SQL Server
      version 6.0. Because it is based on the SQL Server DBMS, it offers
      the same features, functions, performance, and behavior as SQL
      Server, and is therefore an ideal platform for developers interested
      in building high-performance, distributed business applications.
 
      In addition to the SQL Server DBMS, data replication, and enterprise
      management tools, SQL Workstation also includes development libraries
      for C and Visual Basic programmers. The Open Data Services
      programmable gateway technology for developing host gateways and
      other server-based applications is also included. SQL Workstation
      supports up to 15 network database connections and is licensed for a
      single user for either development or production purposes. SQL
      Workstation cannot be upgraded to SQL Server.
 
5.  Q How much does SQL Workstation cost?
 
    A The estimated street price for SQL Workstation is $499.
 
6.  Q What is the upgrade policy for SQL Server version 6.0?
 
    A Registered owners of prior releases of Microsoft SQL Server,
      including all previous Windows NT and OS/2 versions purchased prior
      to March 15, 1995, can upgrade to SQL Server version 6.0 for
      approximately $499 for each server, and $79.95 for each Client Access
      License. All earlier client licenses must be upgraded in order to be
      valid with SQL Server version 6.0. Part numbers are: #228-075-600 for
      the upgrade server, #2281075-600 for the single Client Access License
      upgrade, and #2282075-600 for the Client Access License 20 Pak
      upgrade.
 
7.  Q What is the upgrade policy for SQL Workstation?
 
    A SQL Server Workstation System, SQL Server Desktop System, and earlier
      SQL Server for OS/2 Developer System owners can upgrade to SQL
      Workstation for around $249. Part #228-875-600.
 
8.  Q Is there a "free" upgrade period if I acquired SQL Server version
      4.21 just prior to the release of SQL Server version 6.0?
 
    A Yes. Customers who acquired SQL Server version 4.21a on or after
      March 15, 1995 can receive SQL Server version 6.0 for the cost of
      shipping and handling. This offer applies to customers who acquired
      SQL Server or SQL Server Workstation System new or through an upgrade
      from the SQL Server for OS/2 product only. It does not apply for
      customers who upgraded from SQL Server 4.20 or 4.21 to version 4.21a.
      The Microsoft Sales Information Center(phone (800)426-9400) can
      handle these upgrades.
 
9.  Q Am I required to upgrade to version 6.0?
 
    A You can continue to use your SQL Server software under the license
      terms provided with the product when it was acquired. Upgrade only if
      you need the additional functionality or performance offered by this
      release. However, if you upgrade to version 6.0 then you are also
      required to upgrade all of the Client Access Licenses for those
      workstations or concurrent users who are accessing SQL Server version
      6.0.
 
10. Q Where can I get my upgrade?
 
    A All regular product upgrades are available through your local
      Microsoft resellers. "Free" upgrades for customers who acquired SQL
      Server on or after March 15, 1995 need to be processed by the
      Microsoft Sales Information Center (MSIC). You can reach MSIC by
      calling (800)426-9400.
 
11. Q What is Microsoft Select Maintenance?
 
    A Microsoft Select Maintenance is a software upgrade program which
      automatically provides major and minor release upgrades over the
      duration of its two year term. Maintenance offers a way to reliably
      predict software expenditures and often results in lower software
      upgrade costs. Contact your Microsoft reseller for additional
      details.
 
12. Q Is Microsoft offering a competitive upgrade program for Microsoft
      SQL Server version 6.0?
 
    A Yes. Customers who own a qualifying product (Oracle, Sybase, IBM
      DB2, Informix) can upgrade to SQL Server version 6.0 through the
      Microsoft Select offerings. Each SQL Server version 6.0 will cost
      about $999 and each Client Access License will cost about $79.95.
      Please contact your reseller for details.
 
Additional reference words: 6.00 sql6 molp melp inside sales Windows NT
KBCategory: kbref kbother kbfaq
KBSubcategory: SSrvGen SSrvWinNT SQLFAQ
 
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Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1995.
