Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Standard (Virtual Product)

Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Standard is a powerful relational database platform for mid-tier applications. This virtual license is ideal for deployment on virtual machines (on-premises or cloud) where you need strong security, dependable performance, and essential BI/reporting features without Enterprise edition cost.

Highlights

• Secure by design: Always Encrypted, Row-Level Security, Dynamic Data Masking, TDE.
• Faster queries: In-Memory OLTP, Columnstore Indexes, Query Store.
• High availability (basic): Basic Availability Groups (up to 2 nodes) and backup encryption.
• BI & reporting: SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and Analysis Services (tabular).
• Virtualization-ready: License per virtual core or Server+CAL; runs on Hyper-V/VMware and major clouds.

What’s Included

• SQL Server 2016 Standard Edition license (virtual use)
• Download link & installation media (ISO)
• Activation instructions
• Basic setup guidance

Technical Specifications

*Edition-level functional limits. Actual performance depends on assigned vCPU/RAM and workload.

Licensing Options

• Per Core: License per virtual core (minimums apply). Includes rights for any number of users.
• Server + CAL: License one server plus a Client Access License for each user/device.
• License Mobility: With active Software Assurance, move licenses across hosts/clouds.

System Requirements (Typical VM)

• OS: Windows Server 2012 R2 / 2016 (recommended) / 2019 / 2022
• CPU: x64, 1.4 GHz minimum (2.0+ GHz recommended)
• RAM: 4 GB minimum (8+ GB recommended)
• Disk: 6 GB for setup + storage for databases/logs; SSD recommended
• Hypervisor: Hyper-V, VMware ESXi, or cloud VM (Azure, AWS, GCP)

Limitations vs Enterprise

• No multi-replica (advanced) Availability Groups beyond basic 2-node.
• Feature gaps such as online indexing, full table partitioning, and some advanced DW features.
• Instance memory/core limits as listed above.

Ideal Use Cases

• Departmental and mid-tier line-of-business applications
• Web/mobile app back-ends
• Operational reporting and small/medium data marts

How to Deliver

1. Complete purchase.
2. Receive download link, license key, and instructions by email.
3. Deploy on your VM and activate.

Notes

• This is a virtual product (digital license & download). No physical media is shipped.
• Make sure your VM resources (vCPU/RAM/IOPS) match workload needs.
• For passive failover rights or reassignment between hosts, Software Assurance may be required.

FAQ

Q: Can I run it on multiple VMs?
A: You must license each VM instance. Per-core licensing is based on virtual cores assigned.

Q: Does it include SSRS/SSAS?
A: Yes—SSRS and SSAS (tabular) are included with Standard edition (with some limitations).

Q: Can I upgrade later?
A: You can migrate databases to a higher edition (e.g., Enterprise) if business needs grow.