Cost Optimization Tips for Running SQL Server in the Cloud (with Rate Card Insights)
1. Introduction: On-Prem SQL Server Cost Components Running SQL Server on-prem isn’t just about buying hardware. Costs break into: Licensing: SQL Server Standard Edition (2 cores): ~$3,586 SQL Server Enterprise Edition (2 cores): ~$13,748 Software Assurance (SA): ~25% of license cost per year (needed for upgrades & Hybrid Benefit). Hardware: Servers, storage, networking (~$5,000–$15,000 per […]