SQL Server 2025 Standard Core - 2 Core License - Unlimited Clients Download

The SQL Server 2025 Standard Core 2 Core License is the smallest core-licensing unit for SQL Server 2025 Standard. Under core licensing there are no Client Access Licenses (CALs) to buy, so any number of users or devices can connect to the database.

Best For

• Web-facing or customer-facing applications with many or unknown users
• Growing teams that want to avoid counting CALs
• Building up a core count in 2-core steps

How Core Licensing Works

• SQL Server core licenses are sold in packs of 2 cores
• A minimum of 4 core licenses is required per server or virtual machine, so order at least two of these
• Unlimited users and devices can connect, with no CALs

What's New in SQL Server 2025

• Built-in vector data support for AI-ready applications
• Continued security, performance and high-availability improvements
• Integrates with Power BI, Excel and Azure services

Do I need CALs with this license?

No. Core licensing covers unlimited clients, so no CALs are needed.