We are in the process of upgrading our ERP system, which now uses SQL Server. The vendor offers SQL runtime licensing. Because the vendor (rep) has a combination of incredible lack of knowledge and a tendency to not tell us all the facts ahead of time, pluys I am not really familiar with runtime licensing, I need to ask :)
They quoted SQL server runtime license and maintenance. One rep says the annual maintenance allows for upgrading to future versions free of charge. The annual maintenance is quoted a 20% of the license cost (both server and CAL).
The next rep claims, the maintenance allows us to upgrade at the upgrade price(whatever that will be). And that Microsoft requires them to charge us for at least the first year of maintenance, no matter what.
What's the correct way here? Maintenance required or not? Upgrade free or not? And is the 20% maintenance fee standard or can the vendor make it up (or mark it up, for that matter). And is there standard pricing for a runtime license, or is that also up to the vendor (or dependent on their agreement with MS)?
We would probably go with the maintenance, especially since they insist their package really only supports SQL 2012, and that 2014, let alone 2016, is note recommended. I cannot bring myself to paying for a 4 year and 2 generations old DB platform for a brand spanking new server... :)
Thanks