SQL Server 2012 Evaluation (Trial) or Beta Version?

  • We are in the process of setting up a Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition SP1 64 Bit machine where we plan to install SQL Server 2012. When I look at the Microsoft Site for a free download of SQL Server 2012, it says "Download free full-featured trial and beta versions of SQL Server that you can use for up to 180 days." Does this mean there is a trial version and a beta version? Or is this one and the same version?

    http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlserver/get-sql-server/try-it.aspx

    Or should I download SQL Server 2012 SP1 (evaluation) from the Technet Evaluation Center?

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/evalcenter/hh225126

    I want to make sure I download the right version, that is, free, full-featured (standard or enterprise) and get to use it for about 6 months. I notice at this point it does not state whether it is standard or enterprise edition.

    Thanks, Kevin

  • The evaluation version is Enterprise Edition. Which means if you find yourself using Enterprise Edition features during your evaluation, you may find yourself having to go that direction unless those features aren't necessary for the applications the database(s) will be supporting.

    You could also spend $50.00 or so and purchase the Developers Edition (also Enterprise Edition, just not licensed for production) and not have to worry about the 180 days time period.

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