Microsoft publicly launched both SQL Server 2019 and a brand-new SQL “IoT” 2019 editions on Nov 4th, 2019. For many of our OEM customers, this new “IoT” edition is perfect for their dedicated application solution. Many OEM’s aren’t even aware of the IoT edition and for that reason, I’m covering it in detail for you here.
Product Summary
SQL Server 2019 builds on the strength of previous releases. SQL Server has evolved from a departmental database in 2008 R2 to a mission-critical, industry-leading database. In recent releases, Microsoft added in-memory performance, innovative security features, end-to-end mobile intelligence, built-in artificial intelligence (AI), and a choice of OS, including Linux. With the release of SQL Server 2019, Microsoft has invested heavily in big data analytics by bringing Apache Spark and the Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) into SQL Server as a single, integrated solution.
SQL Server IoT 2019 Overview
Along with SQL Server 2019, Microsoft released SQL Server IoT 2019. This IoT edition includes all the same features; however, it has different license terms, including a “specific use” license term that requires it be used in only a dedicated scenario. In addition, the IoT version doesn’t have the ability to add Software Assurance however some Enterprise-class features require this addition. You can review the SA benefits for SQL 2019 here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server/sql-server-2019-pricing
The Microsoft OEM Embedded IoT team is taking another step toward differentiating its internet of things products by adding the IoT tag to this new SQL 2019 product. This naming convention started back in 2015 with the release of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2015 LTSB and more recently with the launch of Windows Server IoT 2019 Standard and Datacenter editions. Keeping things consistent meant doing the same for this brand-new release of SQL Server IoT 2019.
It is very common for customers to stumble upon and discover the IoT or Embedded channel, as Microsoft does not publicize this channel in the same light as they do their open volume and or ODR/OEM System Builder licensed products. Once customers find my YouTube channel, they often find themselves in need of what we call “right channeling,” or moving their solution to the correct channel.
Do you qualify for the IoT products?
A dedicated appliance with a specific use case – that is what is required. Many customers find that they were loading a Windows server O/S and then loading SQL Server, followed by their own application. As long as that physical server is dedicated to your solution and the database is dedicated to your application, then you qualify. It does require signing an electronic customer license agreement with Microsoft, but it is considered an “indirect” agreement with no minimum purchase requirements.
What are the benefits of using the SQL Server IoT 2019 product, or any IoT products, for that matter?
The first and most important benefit is the pricing, especially for the SQL licenses. You can get major cost savings if you qualify to bundle the SQL database with your application. Second, long life. The IoT products have 10 to 15 years of life, so you can rely on knowing the product will be available for years to come. The next benefit is not requiring end-user information. As an OEM, sometimes you’re not sure who will ultimately be the end-user customer, and with IoT licenses, there is no requirement to report or provide the end-user customer information.
Do you qualify for the IoT channel and licenses?
Let’s first look at the exact license term, Section 4.1 of the SQL Server IoT 2019 additional license terms
- 4.1 Specific Use.
- The manufacturer or installer designed this server for a specific use. You may only use the software for that use.
- You may only use the software with the integrated software application or suite of applications installed by the manufacturer or installer on the system (“Integrated Application”).
- You may not use the software to support additional software programs or functions, other than utilities or similar software used solely for administration, performance enhancement, and preventative maintenance for this server.
If you are an OEM or even a customer of an independent software vendor that sells an integrated application that requires a database such as SQL Server, this IoT edition of SQL Server 2019 is the perfect solution.
Which product would be the top competitor?
Free is always tough to compete against, and that is where the SQL Express product ends up being the number one competitor versus purchasing a full license for the SQL Standard edition. It’s important to compare the restrictions and maximum limits of the SQL Express edition with the SQL Standard edition. Most will find that with the much lower price of the IoT product, it is well worth the license cost to move up to the full Standard edition. Here is a quick comparison chart of SQL Express and SQL Standard.
Whether your scenario is On-Prem, Hybrid or Cloud, Arrow has a SQL product to support your solution.
Arrow and Microsoft can provide a SQL database option for Windows, Linux as well as on-prem, hybrid and SQL on Azure in the cloud via CSP. Your IoT solution might require a combination hybrid configuration enabling your IoT devices to communicate to an on-prem SQL database. Or, you might need the data sent to the Azure cloud for analytics and reporting services. Work with us to configure your solution.
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Road Map and Key Dates for SQL Server
SQL Server IoT 2019 launched November 4, 2019. I’ve created a road map of both the life cycle and the support lifecycle for all the Embedded IoT SQL products.
SKU Lineup
For customers ready to test SQL IoT 2019 who need assistance, including information on the different editions and licensing, please contact us and we’ll get you moving to the Ultimate Database.
