SQL active/passive cluster

[bnikol]

We have instances of SQL Server data with software assurance running in a virtualized environment. Some of those VMs are passive instances meaning they do not require licenses, as mentioned in SQL licensing guide. However, those VMs are still showing consumption in our license consumption tab.

What do you recommend as an optimal solution for this problem?

Would the exemption of the consumption for those passive VMs be the best process we would undergo?

Thanks!

[kclausen · Accepted solution]

@bnikol - Open up your SQL Server license and then go to the Use Rights tab.  Near the bottom of this page is a section named "Exemption by Device Role".  Click on the Warm Standby/Passive Failover role.  Set this to either "Unlimited", or set it to "Limited" and the number of exemptions you are allowed to have, based on your current agreement.  You can also select other appropriate exemptions for the SQL Server license that apply, such as "Cold Backup".  Save the license.

Next, you need to update the "Device Role" attribute of your Virtual Machines.  By default, the role is "Production".  If you set the role to one of the roles on the license that have an exemption, then the next time you run a License Reconciliation, these virtual machines are automatically exempted.

The "Device Role" can be set manually, or can be set via a Business Adapter import.  Many customers set the Device Role using a data feed from their CMDB.

You can use the above solution for other licenses and products such as from Microsoft, IBM, Oracle and other products that have exemptions based on the device role.

Let me know if this helps.

[bnikol]

Thank you very much!
That looks like the solution we are after.
We will run this idea, and will post our final outcome.

[bnikol]

Dear @kclausen ,

The solution you proposed works for us, however, it takes a lot of manual work.

Is there any other way of doing the same exercise, in a more automatic way, now when we do know which devices are belonging to a cluster?

Thank you very much.

Bogdan

[kclausen]

You can update Device Roles in bulk using a Business Adapter.

If you know which SQL Servers should be exempt, you can put them all into an Excel spreadsheet, along with the correct FlexNet Manager "Device Role".

You can then write a Business Adapter to import this spreadsheet, find the matching servers (matching on Computer Name or Serial Number) and change the Device Role.