How can I get SQL Server 2008 R2 Web Edition?

I hope someone can shed some light on the SPLA methodology which allows you to get SQL Server 2008 R2 for ~$25/month if I understand correctly.

Do you have to do anything special in order to get SPLA access? I don't get the 'hosted' and 'service provider' definition - let's say I have a few web applications that I developed and I want to put those on a server and charge people monthly to use them, is that scenario SPLA covered? The users not being 'Windows'/'CAL' type users with windows authentication, but just regular ASP.NET authentication.

I really like SQL Server and I'd love to have a full Web Edition license for $25/mo - much better than the $3,000+ license whe开发者_如何转开发n you buy it outright (through another confusing "MIcrosoft Open" ? program).

Maybe someone can explain this to me or point me in the right direction? My head hurts from going through page after page and not finding a definitive answer, a real pricing sheet, or any tangible set of information. All I get is marketing speak. Ugh.

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What I did: I looked for a Microsoft SPLA distributor and signed the contract with them. The distributor would give you an URL of their own for reporting your month use and bill.

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Do you have to do anything special in order to get SPLA access?

Be a service provider and provide hosted services.

let's say I have a few web applications that I developed and I want to put those on a server and charge people monthly to use them, is that scenario SPLA covered?

if people pay for ACCESS TO THE SYSTEM, then yes. if your Application is an online shop and people order goods on it - no (because they dont pay to use the software). Clearly defined in the contract.

(through another confusing "MIcrosoft Open" ? program).

Nothing confusing in there. Seriously. Compared to other companies programs MS programs are very clear.

All I get is marketing speak

Are you a business or a wannabe developer? I ask like that because I run a business and when I contacted a reseller (SPLA is handled by a number of resellers, one per region, who do the administration) I got down to contracts, price sheets etc. within 24 hours. A lonely developer without even business registration may have a problem here. Rightly so, because you can not be a service provider without being a business.

Just cut through the website, contact someone and get the information. Contact info is on the website. I have no idea where you are, but in EMEA it is INSIGHT which is handling SPLA accounting and reporting.

I really like SQL Server and I'd love to have a full Web Edition license for $25/mo - much better than the $3,000+ license when you buy it outright

What is a better car? A Porsche or a Hummer?

The 3000 USD license is not for the web edition, and the web edition has it's ownlimitations. Please be accurate enough in your own homework to compare features, not only a price tag.