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SQL Server Blog
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Move to Modern SQL Server Licensing with Confidence

Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju's avatar
Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju
Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
Sep 04, 2026

Make pay-as-you-go the default licensing model for eligible SQL Server workloads. We recommend transitioning from Software Assurance to pay-as-you-go licensing, starting with a small, validated scope and then expanding across the broader estate with appropriate governance and controls in place.

Why eligible customers should move to pay-as-you-go licensing (PAYG) For eligible SQL Server workloads, PAYG should be the preferred licensing approach when moving away from licenses and Software A...
Updated Sep 16, 2026
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harryjosh067's avatar
harryjosh067
Tin Contributor
Sep 04, 2026

The move to modern SQL Server licensing is an important topic for organizations planning long-term infrastructure changes. A clear comparison of licensing models, costs, and practical migration considerations can help teams choose an approach that fits their workloads without unexpected expenses.

  • Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju's avatar
    Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju
    Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
    Sep 16, 2026

    Thanks for the thoughtful comment. We agree that understanding both licensing options and practical migration considerations is important when planning long-term infrastructure changes. For customers considering a move to Azure SQL, this migration guide provides additional guidance to help plan the journey: Azure Database Migration Guides | Microsoft Learn