The new licensing model is hurting Microsoft’s own business in the long run. Profit can be made in several ways, especially for software the best way is to have a small profit on as many costless copies as you can. While the new SQL Server (1012) has some interesting features that I would love to use, that may not happen for another 5 years due to the current licensing policy.

For many small businesses, upgrading or even licensing anything under the new policy is a no go as it is way too costly and restrictive. Microsoft looks like the new Oracle in respect to this, squeezing what they can for no sensible reason. It’s a shame as the low cost of licensing and operational use is what gave SQL Server a wide adaptation in the first place. And that was not a bad business if you ask me!