SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core is a professional per-core relational database server licence providing the SQL Server 2017 Standard database engine, reporting services, high availability and business intelligence tools for servers with up to 24 licensed cores on Windows and Linux.
SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core – UK Digital Database Server Licence
SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core is a comprehensive per-core database server licence designed for organisations that need to licence SQL Server 2017 Standard on a server with up to 24 physical processor cores under the per-core licensing model. It is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, IT departments, database administrators and application developers who need a reliable and scalable relational database platform for line-of-business applications, web applications, data warehousing and business intelligence workloads on larger multi-core servers where per-core licensing is more appropriate than Server and Client Access Licence based licensing.
Per-core licensing is particularly well suited to environments where the number of users or devices accessing the SQL Server instance is large, variable or difficult to count, or where internet-facing applications serve an unrestricted or anonymous user base. A 24 core licence covers a server with up to 24 physical processor cores, with all physical cores on the server required to be licensed and a minimum of four core licences applying per physical processor. SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core provides the same comprehensive feature set as other SQL Server 2017 Standard per-core licences, including the database engine, reporting services, basic high availability and business intelligence tools within the Standard edition limits.
For a complete data management setup, you can also explore our Microsoft software range, or consider Microsoft Office Access for desktop database front-end solutions alongside SQL Server for enterprise data management.
Important Notice About SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core
SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core is a per-core server licence covering up to 24 physical processor cores. All physical cores on the licensed server must be covered, with a minimum of four core licences required per physical processor. No Client Access Licences are required for users or devices accessing a per-core licensed SQL Server instance. SQL Server 2017 Standard is subject to feature limitations compared to SQL Server 2017 Enterprise, including a maximum of 128 GB of buffer pool memory and basic Always On Availability Groups limited to two nodes. If your workload requires more than 128 GB of buffer pool memory or full Always On Availability Groups, please consider SQL Server 2017 Enterprise instead.
Internet connectivity may be required during the initial activation process. SQL Server 2017 runs on Windows Server 2012 R2 and later as well as supported Linux distributions.
Why Choose SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core?
- Per-core licensing covering up to 24 physical processor cores on a single server
- No Client Access Licences required for users or devices accessing the server
- Ideal for larger multi-core servers running internet-facing or high-user-count applications
- Native Linux and Docker container support for flexible deployment options
- Graph database support for modelling and querying complex entity relationships
- Adaptive query processing for improved query performance without manual tuning
- Python and R integration for in-database machine learning and advanced analytics
- SQL Server Reporting Services for professional report creation and delivery
- Perpetual licence with lifetime access to SQL Server 2017 Standard
- Digital delivery by email after order confirmation
Key Features of SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core
- Per-Core Licensing: This 24 core licence covers all physical processor cores on the target server under the per-core licensing model, eliminating the need for Client Access Licences for users and devices and providing an appropriate licensing model for larger multi-core servers in environments with large, variable or anonymous user bases.
- Relational Database Engine: Store, manage and query structured data using the SQL Server relational database engine with full T-SQL language support, stored procedures, triggers, views, functions and comprehensive transaction management for enterprise data workloads.
- Linux and Docker Support: Deploy SQL Server 2017 on Linux distributions including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and Ubuntu, or in Docker containers for flexible and modern infrastructure deployment options alongside traditional Windows Server deployments.
- Graph Database: Model and query complex many-to-many relationships and network data using the graph database extensions introduced in SQL Server 2017, with node and edge tables and graph-specific query syntax for social networks, recommendation engines and fraud detection scenarios.
- Adaptive Query Processing: Benefit from automatic query performance improvements through adaptive query processing features including batch mode memory grant feedback, batch mode adaptive joins and interleaved execution that adjust query execution plans based on actual runtime statistics.
- Python and R Integration: Run Python and R scripts directly within the SQL Server engine using Machine Learning Services for in-database machine learning, predictive analytics and advanced data processing without moving data outside the database.
- High Availability: Implement high availability and disaster recovery solutions using Always On Failover Cluster Instances and basic Always On Availability Groups limited to two nodes within the Standard edition feature set.
- SQL Server Reporting Services: Create, manage and deliver professional paginated reports, interactive reports and dashboards using SQL Server Reporting Services with a web-based report portal for self-service and enterprise reporting.
- SQL Server Agent: Automate database maintenance tasks, scheduled jobs, alerts and notifications using SQL Server Agent for reliable and consistent database administration automation.
- Replication: Distribute and synchronise database objects and data between servers using transactional, snapshot and merge replication for data distribution, reporting offloading and data consolidation scenarios.
- Security: Protect sensitive data using row-level security, dynamic data masking, transparent data encryption, Always Encrypted and comprehensive auditing capabilities for regulatory compliance and data protection.
- Backup and Recovery: Protect database data with comprehensive backup and recovery capabilities including full, differential and transaction log backups, point-in-time recovery and backup to Microsoft Azure Blob Storage for off-site data protection.
SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core vs Standard 10 Core, Standard Server+CAL, Enterprise 24 Core and SQL Server 2019
SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core is a per-core licence for servers with up to 24 cores and no CAL requirement. Standard 10 Core covers smaller servers with up to 10 cores, Standard Server+CAL requires individual user or device CALs, Enterprise 24 Core removes Standard edition feature limits, while SQL Server 2019 Standard is a newer release with updated capabilities.
| Software | Best For | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core | Organisations with larger multi-core servers and large or anonymous user bases | Per-core licensed SQL Server 2017 Standard database management without CAL requirements for up to 24 cores |
| SQL Server 2017 Standard 10 Core | Organisations with smaller servers of up to 10 physical cores | Per-core licensed SQL Server 2017 Standard database management without CAL requirements for up to 10 cores |
| SQL Server 2017 Standard Server + CAL | Organisations with a small and fixed number of known users or devices | SQL Server 2017 Standard database management with server licence plus individual user or device CALs |
| SQL Server 2017 Enterprise 24 Core | Large organisations needing the full SQL Server feature set on a 24 core server | Enterprise-scale database management with unlimited memory, advanced compression and full Always On features |
| SQL Server 2019 Standard 24 Core | Organisations needing a more recent SQL Server release with updated features | Per-core SQL Server 2019 Standard database management with updated performance and security features |
Which Licence Should You Choose?
- Choose SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core if you need to licence SQL Server 2017 Standard on a server with up to 24 physical processor cores under the per-core model, particularly for larger multi-core servers running internet-facing applications or environments with large or variable numbers of users and devices.
- Choose SQL Server 2017 Standard 10 Core if your server has 10 or fewer physical processor cores and per-core licensing is still appropriate for your environment.
- Choose SQL Server 2017 Standard Server + CAL if you have a small and fixed number of known internal users or devices and the Server plus CAL licensing model is more cost-effective for your environment.
- Choose SQL Server 2017 Enterprise 24 Core if you need the full SQL Server Enterprise feature set without Standard edition memory limits or availability group limitations on a 24 core server.
- Choose SQL Server 2019 Standard 24 Core if you need a more recent SQL Server release with updated features including accelerated database recovery and improved performance.
Recommended Products
- Microsoft Software – explore the full range of Microsoft software products.
- SQL Server 2017 Standard Server + CAL – suitable if the Server plus CAL licensing model is more appropriate for your environment.
- SQL Server 2017 Standard 10 Core – suitable for servers with up to 10 physical processor cores.
- Microsoft Office Access 2024 – suitable for desktop database front-end applications connecting to SQL Server.
- Windows Server Licences – suitable if you need a compatible Windows Server operating system for SQL Server deployment.
- Microsoft Office – explore all available Microsoft software versions and licence options.
System Requirements for SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Platform | Windows Server or Linux server |
| Operating System (Windows) | Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012; Windows 10, Windows 8.1 (development and testing only) |
| Operating System (Linux) | Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.3–7.6, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server v12 SP2, Ubuntu 16.04 LTS |
| Processor | x64 processor 1.4 GHz minimum; 2.0 GHz or faster recommended; up to 24 physical cores covered by this licence |
| Memory | 1 GB minimum; 4 GB or more recommended; Standard edition maximum buffer pool: 128 GB |
| Storage | 6 GB available disk space minimum for database engine and tools installation |
| Display | 1024 x 768 screen resolution minimum for management tools |
| Network | Gigabit Ethernet or faster network adapter recommended for server deployments |
| Framework | .NET Framework 4.6 required for certain features on Windows deployments |
Delivery and Activation
- Product: SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core
- Platform: Windows Server or Linux
- Licence Type: Perpetual per-core server licence (24 cores)
- Licence Duration: Lifetime access to SQL Server 2017 Standard
- Delivery Method: Digital delivery by email
- Activation: Activation instructions provided after purchase
- Support: Installation and activation assistance available
How to Get Started
- Complete your order for SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core.
- Receive your product key and activation instructions by email after order confirmation.
- Check that your server meets the SQL Server 2017 Standard system requirements.
- Confirm that the total number of physical processor cores on your server does not exceed 24.
- Download the SQL Server 2017 Standard installer from the Microsoft website.
- Run the SQL Server installation wizard and select the features and components you require.
- Enter your product key when prompted to activate your perpetual per-core licence.
- Contact our support team if you need help with installation or activation.
Who Is SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core For?
- Organisations running internet-facing applications with large or anonymous user bases on multi-core servers
- Businesses with a large or variable number of users accessing SQL Server databases
- IT departments managing SQL Server on larger servers with up to 24 physical processor cores
- Database administrators managing SQL Server instances for high-demand business applications
- Application developers building database-driven web applications on servers with up to 24 cores
- Organisations deploying SQL Server 2017 on Linux or in Docker containers on larger servers
- Users upgrading from SQL Server 2014 Standard or earlier to the 2017 Standard 24 Core release
Important Licence Information
SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core is a perpetual per-core server licence covering up to 24 physical processor cores. All physical cores on the licensed server must be covered, with a minimum of four core licences required per physical processor. No Client Access Licences are required for users or devices accessing a per-core licensed SQL Server instance. This licence covers a single server installation only.
SQL Server 2017 Standard has Standard edition feature limits including a maximum of 128 GB of buffer pool memory and basic Always On Availability Groups limited to two nodes. If your server has more than 24 physical processor cores, additional core licences will be required to cover all cores. Before purchasing, please count the total number of physical processor cores on your server and confirm that the Standard edition feature set meets your database workload requirements.
What is SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core?
SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core is a perpetual per-core server licence covering up to 24 physical processor cores, providing the SQL Server 2017 Standard database engine, reporting services, high availability and business intelligence tools without requiring Client Access Licences for users or devices accessing the server.
What does the 24 Core licence cover?
The 24 Core licence covers all physical processor cores on a single server up to a total of 24 physical cores across all processors in the server. All physical cores must be licensed and a minimum of four core licences is required per physical processor regardless of the actual core count of that processor.
Does the 24 Core licence cover a server with two 12-core processors?
Yes. A server with two 12-core processors has 24 physical cores in total, which is exactly covered by this 24 Core licence. All 24 physical cores on the server are licensed under this product. If your server has more than 24 physical cores in total, additional core licences will be required.
Do I need Client Access Licences with SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core?
No. Under the per-core licensing model, no Client Access Licences are required for users or devices accessing the SQL Server instance. All users and devices can access the server without additional CAL purchases, making per-core licensing cost-effective for environments with large numbers of users or internet-facing applications.
What is the difference between the 24 Core and 10 Core licences?
The SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core licence covers servers with up to 24 physical processor cores, while the 10 Core licence covers servers with up to 10 physical processor cores. Both provide the same SQL Server 2017 Standard feature set and per-core licensing benefits. The appropriate licence depends on the total number of physical cores in your server.
What are the memory limits for SQL Server 2017 Standard?
SQL Server 2017 Standard edition limits the buffer pool memory to a maximum of 128 GB regardless of the number of cores licensed. Users who need more than 128 GB of buffer pool memory for large-scale database workloads should consider SQL Server 2017 Enterprise, which has no buffer pool memory limit.
Does SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core run on Linux?
Yes. SQL Server 2017 supports deployment on Linux distributions including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and Ubuntu, as well as in Docker containers. The 24 Core licence covers the SQL Server 2017 Standard installation regardless of whether it is deployed on Windows Server or a supported Linux distribution.
Does SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core include Reporting Services?
Yes. SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core includes SQL Server Reporting Services for creating, managing and delivering professional reports and dashboards through a web-based report portal for self-service and enterprise reporting.
Is SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core a subscription or a perpetual licence?
SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core is a perpetual licence product, meaning you pay once for lifetime access to the SQL Server 2017 Standard software under the 24 core per-core licensing model without ongoing subscription fees. It does not include upgrades to future versions of SQL Server.
What if my server has more than 24 physical cores?
If your server has more than 24 physical processor cores in total, you will need additional core licences to cover all physical cores on the server. All physical cores must be licensed under the per-core model. Please contact us to discuss the appropriate number of core licences for your specific server configuration.
How will I receive my SQL Server 2017 Standard 24 Core licence?
Your product key and activation instructions will be delivered digitally by email after order confirmation.
Do you provide installation support?
Yes. Installation and activation support is available if you need help setting up SQL Server 2017 Standard on your Windows Server or Linux server.





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