Softwarekeep Microsoft SQL Server 2025 Standard Edition

Microsoft SQL Server 2025 Standard Edition is Microsoft's mainstream database platform for business applications, reporting and analytics. This listing is the general Standard Edition license, a good starting point if you are choosing between SQL Server editions and licensing models.

Why SQL Server 2025 Standard?

• Reliable relational database engine with T-SQL, JSON and modern data types
• Built-in vector data support for AI-enabled applications
• Backup, encryption, replication and high-availability features for mid-size workloads
• Integration with Excel, Power BI, Azure and the wider Microsoft stack

Standard vs Enterprise

• Standard: departmental and mid-size production databases, with lower cost
• Enterprise: very large databases, advanced availability and maximum scale

Choosing a Licensing Model

• Per core: no CALs, ideal for many or unknown users
• Server + CALs: lower cost when you have a known, small number of users or devices

See our core and CAL listings for exact quantities.

Which edition do I need?

Most small and mid-size organizations do well with Standard. If you are unsure, contact us with your workload and user count.