SQL Server 2025 Standard — The AI-ready database engine for €1,590
Microsoft SQL Server 2025 Standard Edition is the latest version of Microsoft’s relational database management system, released in 2025. This edition covers up to 32 cores —8 more than the 2022 version— and allows unlimited users with no additional CALs required.
SQL Server 2025 introduces native artificial intelligence integration, including vector search built directly into the relational engine. This makes it the first version of SQL Server ready for AI and machine learning workloads without the need for external tooling.
This is a perpetual (lifetime) licence, transferable (FPP), with no annual subscription required. Valid for businesses, self-employed professionals and public organisations. Legal in the EU under CJEU Case C-128/11. Includes a VAT invoice at 21 %.
What’s new in SQL Server 2025
| Feature |
Description |
| Native vector search |
Native vector (embedding) support built into the relational engine. Run semantic similarity queries without external tools. |
| Azure AI integration |
Connect directly to Azure OpenAI models and cognitive services from T-SQL. |
| 32 cores (up from 24) |
The Standard edition jumps from 24 to 32 cores — 33 % more processing capacity at no additional licence cost. |
| Enhanced security |
Always Encrypted with secure enclaves, improved data classification, granular auditing and data quality (DQ) policies. |
| Mirror to Azure SQL |
Near real-time continuous replication to Azure SQL Database for hybrid on-premises + cloud scenarios. |
| Intelligent query optimisation |
Enhanced Query Store, adaptive query processing and automatic execution plan tuning. |
| Linux & container support |
Full support on Windows Server, Linux (Ubuntu, RHEL, SLES) and Docker/Kubernetes containers. |
SQL Server 2025 Standard vs Enterprise
| Feature |
Standard |
Enterprise |
| Maximum cores |
32 |
Unlimited |
| Max memory per instance |
128 GB |
Unlimited (OS max) |
| Max database size |
524 PB |
524 PB |
| Always On AG (high availability) |
Basic (1 DB) |
Full (multi-DB) |
| Columnstore index |
✓ |
✓ |
| In-Memory OLTP |
Limited to 32 GB |
Unlimited |
| Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) |
✓ |
✓ |
| Vector search |
✓ |
✓ |
| Price at Revolution Soft |
€1,590 |
€1,890 |
Which one should you choose? For most SMBs and business applications, the Standard edition is more than enough: 32 cores, 128 GB of RAM and all major features (vector search, TDE, columnstore, Linux). You only need Enterprise if you require full multi-database Always On AG, unlimited memory or unrestricted In-Memory OLTP.
Available SQL Server versions
Licensing note: SQL Server 2025 Standard includes a licence for
32 cores and unlimited users. You do not need to purchase additional CALs with this core-based licence. If your server has more than 32 cores, you will need the Enterprise edition or
Core Add-On licences.
SQL Server 2025 vs 2022: is the upgrade worth it?
| Aspect |
SQL Server 2022 |
SQL Server 2025 |
| Max cores (Standard) |
24 |
32 (+33 %) |
| Native vector search |
✗ |
✓ |
| Azure AI integration |
✗ |
✓ |
| Mirror to Azure SQL |
Limited |
Enhanced |
| Query Store |
V2 |
V3 (improved) |
| Data quality (DQ) policies |
✗ |
✓ |
| Price (Standard) |
€1,089 |
€1,590 |
Our recommendation: If you need AI features (vector search, Azure AI), the 32-core capacity, or are starting a greenfield project, go with SQL Server 2025. If your application already runs on 2022 and you do not need AI capabilities, the 2022 version remains an excellent choice at a lower cost.
System requirements
| Operating system |
Windows Server 2019/2022/2025, Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+, RHEL 8+, SLES 15+) |
| Processor |
x64, 1.4 GHz minimum (2 GHz+ recommended) |
| RAM |
4 GB minimum (16 GB+ recommended). Standard supports up to 128 GB per instance. |
| Storage |
6 GB minimum for installation. SSD/NVMe recommended for production. |
| Containers |
Compatible with Docker and Kubernetes. |
What’s included in your purchase?
When you buy SQL Server 2025 Standard from Revolution Soft you receive instantly by email:
✓ Product Key for SQL Server 2025 Standard Edition
✓ Licence for up to 32 cores — Unlimited users
✓ Installation and activation instructions
✓ Legal documentation in compliance with EU regulations
✓ VAT invoice (21 % EU VAT)
✓ Lifetime warranty (if the key ever fails, we replace it at no cost)
✓ Transferable FPP licence: you can move it between servers (one at a time)
This is a pre-owned (surplus) licence whose resale is fully legal in the European Union under CJEU Case C-128/11 (UsedSoft vs Oracle, 2012). Revolution Soft is a Spanish registered company (S.L.) operating under this ruling.
Frequently asked questions
How many cores and users does this licence cover?
This licence covers up to 32 cores and allows unlimited users. It is a core-based licence, so no additional CALs are required. If your server has more than 32 cores, you can purchase Core Add-On licences or upgrade to the Enterprise edition.
Is this a perpetual licence or a subscription?
It is a perpetual (lifetime) licence. You pay €1,590 once and use it indefinitely. It never expires, requires no annual renewal and has no recurring costs. It is also FPP (transferable): you can move it from one server to another as needed (active on one server at a time).
Is it legal to buy SQL Server 2025 for €1,590?
Yes, it is fully legal. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), Case C-128/11 (UsedSoft vs Oracle, 2012) established that reselling software licences is legal in the EU once the right of distribution has been exhausted after the first sale. Revolution Soft is a registered Spanish company (S.L.) that operates under this ruling and issues a VAT invoice at 21 %.
What is the difference between Standard and Enterprise?
Both editions share most features (vector search, TDE, columnstore, Linux). The key Enterprise advantages are: unlimited cores, unlimited memory, full multi-database Always On AG and unrestricted In-Memory OLTP. For most SMBs and business applications, Standard (32 cores, 128 GB RAM) is more than enough. We also offer SQL Server 2025 Enterprise for €1,890.
Can I install SQL Server 2025 on Linux?
Yes. SQL Server 2025 supports Windows Server (2019, 2022, 2025) and Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+, RHEL 8+, SLES 15+). It can also run in Docker containers and be orchestrated with Kubernetes. The same licence key is valid for both platforms.
What is vector search in SQL Server 2025?
SQL Server 2025 introduces native support for vector data (embeddings) directly in the relational engine. This allows semantic similarity queries —such as meaning-based searches, recommendations or content classification— without the need for external vector databases. It is a key feature for AI and machine learning applications.
Is this licence valid for businesses and software audits?
Yes. This licence includes a VAT invoice at 21 % and legal documentation in compliance with CJEU Case C-128/11. It is suitable for businesses, self-employed professionals, managed service providers and public organisations to pass software licence audits.
How do I receive my licence?
Delivery is 100 % digital and instant. After completing your payment you will receive the product key, installation instructions, EU legal documentation and your VAT invoice by email within minutes. We accept credit/debit cards, PayPal and bank transfer.
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