SQL Server 2025 licensing guidance

Following the recent release of SQL Server 2025, Microsoft have launched new licensing guidance. Rather than the usual detailed PDF, it’s now presented as a website, and while there’s less detail than previous versions, it’s a handy and easier-to-digest alternative to the Product Terms.

There aren’t major licensing changes with this release, but the guide does have helpful information on the new default reporting solution, Power BI Report Server. Be aware that the “Licensing SQL Components” section incorrectly lists three discontinued components. When we find issues like this, we document them for subscribers – check out the Licensing Guides Cautionary Notes in LicenseVerse here: https://bit.ly/LSLVLGCN.

Find the new SQL Server 2025 licensing guidance here: https://bit.ly/4pjdTJ4.

SQL 2025 is now GA!

Microsoft announce the general availability of SQL Server 2025! Unsurprisingly, there’s a heavy focus on its AI-powered enterprise database capabilities, and important updates to security and performance. Other key changes include Power BI Report Server becoming the default reporting solution, no 2025 version of the Web edition, and a new Standard Developer Edition joining the lineup.

The long-awaited announcement can be found here: https://bit.ly/47N1XsO.