When it comes to business intelligence and data analytics, Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) stands out as a powerful tool. But understanding its pricing can be a bit complex. In this blog, we’ll break down the pricing structure of SSAS, making it easier for you to understand how it fits into your budget.
Overview of Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services
Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services is an analytical data engine used in decision support and business analytics. It delivers enterprise-level semantic data models for business reports and client applications, including Power BI, Excel, and Reporting Services reports. SSAS can be installed as an on-premises or virtual machine server instance, supporting tabular models, multidimensional models, data mining, and Power Pivot for SharePoint1.
Pricing Structure of SSAS
1. SQL Server Editions
Microsoft SQL Server comes in several editions, each tailored to different business needs:
- Enterprise Edition: This edition is designed for large-scale applications and offers the highest level of performance and scalability. It is priced at approximately $15,123 per 2-core pack2.
- Standard Edition: Suitable for mid-tier applications, this edition costs around $3,945 per 2-core pack2.
- Developer and Express Editions: These editions are free but are intended for development and testing purposes only2.
2. Licensing Models
There are two primary licensing models for SQL Server:
- Per Core Licensing: This model is ideal for high-performance environments. Your payment is determined by the number of cores in your server. For example, the Enterprise Edition costs $15,123 per 2-core pack2.
- Server + CAL (Client Access License): This model is more suitable for smaller environments. You pay for each server and each user/device accessing the server. The Standard Edition under this model costs $931 per server plus $209 per CAL2.
Additional Costs and Considerations
1. Software Assurance
Purchasing Software Assurance (SA) can add to the cost but provides benefits such as new version rights, disaster recovery, and license mobility within server farms2. This can be particularly useful for businesses looking to maximize their investment in SQL Server.
2. DirectDeals
For those looking to purchase Microsoft SQL Server licenses, DirectDeals offers competitive pricing and various deals on software. They provide genuine Microsoft products, including SQL Server licenses, at discounted rates3. This can be a cost-effective option for businesses looking to save on licensing costs.
Conclusion
Understanding the pricing of Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services involves considering the edition of SQL Server, the licensing model, and additional costs such as Software Assurance. By evaluating these factors, businesses can make informed decisions that align with their budget and performance needs. For the best deals on Microsoft SQL Server licenses, platforms like DirectDeals can offer significant savings.
By carefully planning your investment in SSAS, you can leverage its powerful analytics capabilities to drive business insights and support decision-making processes.
DirectDeals: Your Premier Microsoft Partner
Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey! For pricing information on Microsoft products, including the Microsoft SQL Server license cost, please contact us at (800) 983-2471 or email us at support@directdeals.com. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re here to assist with any further inquiries you may have.
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