Microsoft SQL Server 2025 – Features, Editions, Licensing Models, Comparison Tables & FAQ
Microsoft SQL Server 2025 represents the next major evolution of Microsoft's enterprise data platform. Building on SQL Server 2022, this release introduces deeper AI-driven optimizations, real-time analytics, hybrid-cloud scalability, improved security, and enhanced developer productivity. Whether you're deploying on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments, SQL Server 2025 delivers top-tier performance and efficiency for modern workloads.
What’s New in SQL Server 2025?
SQL Server 2025 focuses heavily on intelligent automation, cloud integration, and real-time data processing. Key enhancements include:
- AI-based query optimization for enhanced performance
- Real-time event streaming and analytics
- Improved developer tooling and integrated workflows
- Deeper Azure hybrid cloud integration
- Upgraded security with stronger encryption & adaptive threat detection
- Boosted in-memory capabilities for mission-critical workloads
SQL Server 2025 Edition Comparison Table
| Feature | Standard Edition | Enterprise Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Core Database Engine | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Performance / In-Memory OLTP | Limited | Full |
| High Availability | Basic | Advanced (Always On) |
| Virtualization | Limited | Unlimited (with SA) |
| AI-Driven Optimization | Partial | Full |
| Licensing Options | Server + CAL / Per-Core | Per-Core Only |
SQL Server 2025 Licensing Model Comparison
| Criteria | Server + CAL | Per-Core |
|---|---|---|
| CALs Required | Yes (User or Device) | No |
| Unlimited Users/Devices | No | Yes |
| Best For | Small/Mid-size businesses with countable users | Large-scale workloads, web applications, Enterprise Edition |
| Minimum License Requirement | 1 Server License + CALs | 4 cores per processor or VM |
| Virtualization Rights | Limited | Unlimited with SA (Enterprise) |
SQL Server 2025 Licensing Models Explained
1. Server + CAL Licensing
- One SQL Server license per operating system environment (OSE)
- Each user or device accessing SQL Server requires a CAL
- Best for organizations with predictable user counts
2. Per-Core Licensing
- No CALs needed — unlimited users/devices can connect
- All physical cores must be licensed (minimum 4 per processor)
- For VMs: license all v-cores (minimum 4 per VM)
- Required for Enterprise Edition
SQL Server 2025 Cost Optimization
Server + CAL saves money when:
- You can accurately count users or devices
- You operate in a small or mid-sized environment
Per-Core licensing is better when:
- Deploying SQL Server Enterprise Edition
- Users cannot be reliably counted (public-facing apps)
- Large enterprise or high-volume deployments
Requirements, Rights & Compliance
- Review Microsoft Product Terms for virtualization rights
- Software Assurance may be required for advanced features
- Hardware requirements vary based on deployment type
Upgrade path documentation for SQL Server 2025 will be provided later by Microsoft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SQL Server 2025 a major upgrade?
Yes. It includes advanced AI, improved security, better performance, and real-time analytics.
Does Enterprise Edition require Per-Core?
Yes. Enterprise Edition is only licensed per core.
Do I need CALs with Per-Core?
No. Per-Core model does not use CALs.
What is the core minimum?
4 cores per physical processor or per VM.
Does SQL Server 2025 include virtualization rights?
Yes — unlimited virtualization is available with Enterprise Edition + Software Assurance.
