Hey everyone! I'm trying to set up SQL Server (either Standard or Enterprise) on a Windows Server within a VMWare VPC. My goal is to connect it to an Azure subscription using Azure Arc. I specifically need a version that allows for Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) licensing, but I don't have a license key for the on-prem installation and I really want to avoid using an evaluation version. Can anyone tell me where I can find Azure Arc-compatible SQL Server installation media that supports PAYG licensing? Thanks a ton!
2 Answers
You might want to check out this script: https://github.com/microsoft/sql-server-samples/blob/master/samples/manage/azure-arc-enabled-sql-server/install-payg-sql-server/install-payg-sql-server.ps1. It should help with the setup!
I recently tried downloading the SQL Server 2022 Developer Edition ISO for this. On the licensing options screen, you can select "Choose Pay as You Go Licensing Through Azure" and then pick either Standard or Enterprise. Just remember, you'll need an Azure account with the right permissions for this to work!
Be cautious, though. I found that this method doesn't always work on all VMs. Like, I had luck with a Hyper-V VM, but a VMware setup didn't give me the option. A Microsoft blog has more info on this issue too.
I saw that in the requirements it mentions needing to download a SQL Server image file from Microsoft support for installation. You might need to open a support request using the "Get SQL Installation Media" subcategory and specify the version and edition you're after.