Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Standard 2 Core License, Download | MFG Part 7NQ-00217

Description

Softwarehubs, a certified Microsoft CSP (Cloud Service Provider) and authorized reseller, offers the Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Standard 2 Core License (MFG Part 7NQ-00217) as a downloadable option. This core-based licensing model grants you access to a powerful database platform sized to your needs, making it ideal for organizations seeking a cost-effective solution for core database workloads and business intelligence requirements.

Product Overview:

  • Brand: Microsoft
  • Released on: June 1, 2016 (End of Extended Support: July 14, 2026)
  • License Type: Core-based Licensing
  • Platform: Microsoft SQL, Microsoft SQL Server
  • Model: 2016 Standard (2 Core)
  • Format: Single-Use Digital License
  • Compatibility OS: 64-bit Windows Server 2012 R2, 2016, or 2019
  • License Pricing: Scalable based on core count (requires a minimum of 4 cores to be licensed)
  • Language: Microsoft Single Language (changeable after installation, Language Packs available separately)

Unleash the Potential of Your Data with these Highlights:

  • Core-Based Licensing: Optimize your licensing costs by aligning with your server’s core count. (Minimum 4 cores required)
  • Robust Performance: Experience significant performance improvements for transactional workloads with in-memory technologies and enhanced query processing capabilities.
  • Enhanced Security: Safeguard your sensitive data with features like Always Encrypted and row-level security.
  • Business Intelligence: Gain valuable insights from your data with built-in reporting and analytics tools.
  • Seamless Integration: Integrate seamlessly with existing Microsoft applications and cloud services.
  • Simplified Management: Streamline administration tasks with automated patching and centralized management tools.

Important Note:

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Standard 2 Core License requires a minimum of 4 cores to be licensed by Microsoft.
  • This product has reached the end of mainstream support but is still under extended support until July 14, 2026. Consider your organization’s security and compliance requirements when making your selection.

System Requirements:

  • Operating System:
    • Windows Server 2012 R2, 2016, or 2019 (64-bit)
  • Processor:
    • Minimum: 1.4 GHz
    • Recommended: 2.0 GHz or higher
  • Memory:
    • Minimum: 4 GB
    • Recommended: 8 GB or higher
  • Disk Space:
    • Minimum: 6 GB
    • Recommended: 10 GB or higher
  • Additional Requirements:
    • .NET Framework 4.6.2 or later

Software Hubs is Your Trusted Partner:

As a certified Microsoft CSP, Software Hubs provides you with genuine Microsoft licenses and expert support to ensure you get the most out of SQL Server 2016 Standard. We can help you:

  • Assess your data management needs to determine if SQL Server 2016 Standard is the right fit.
  • Optimize your core licenses for cost-effective deployment.
  • Plan your migration to a newer version of SQL Server if needed.

Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and explore how Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Standard can empower your organization to manage its data efficiently.

Product Specs

Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Standard 2 Core License
  • Installation Method: Digital Download
  • Users Supported: 1 Admin User
  • Devices Supported: 1 Server 2 Core
  • Installations Supported: 1 Server Installation
  • License Type: Perpetual
  • License Term: Indefinite
  • Licensed Use: Licensed for Home and Commercial Use
  • Brand: Microsoft
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 7NQ-00217
  • Platform Supported: Windows
  • Operating Systems Supported: Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012, Windows 10, Windows 8.1
  • Minimum Hard Drive Space: 6 GB
  • Minimum Memory: 1 GB
  • Minimum Processor Speed: 1.4 GHz

Comparisons of SQL Server 2016

Feature SQL Server 2016 Standard SQL Server 2016 Express SQL Server 2016 Developer SQL Server 2016 Enterprise
Purpose 💼 Production workloads 🎒 Student, small apps 💻 Development & testing 🏢 Enterprise workloads
Licensing 💳 Per core or Server + CAL 🆓 Free 🆓 Free (with restrictions) 💳 Per core
Max. CPU Sockets ⚙️ 4 sockets ⚙️ 1 ⚙️ No limit ⚙️ No limit
Max. Memory 💾 128GB 💾 1GB 💾 128GB 💾 OS maximum
High Availability 🔄 Basic availability groups 🚫 No ✅ Yes ✅ Full features
Advanced Analytics 📊 Limited 📊 Limited 📊 Full 📊 Full
In-Memory OLTP ⚡ Limited 🚫 No ⚡ Full ⚡ Full
Columnstore Indexes ✅ Yes 🚫 No ✅ Full ✅ Full
Partitioning ✅ Yes 🚫 No ✅ Full ✅ Full

Why choose SQL Server 2016 Standard?

  • Cost-effective: 💳 Offers a good balance of features and cost for many businesses.
  • Production-ready: 💼 Designed for typical production workloads.
  • Scalability: ⚙️ Supports up to 4 sockets and 128GB of memory.
  • High Availability: 🔄 Includes basic availability groups for disaster recovery.
  • Key features: ✅ Supports columnstore indexes, partitioning, and limited in-memory OLTP and advanced analytics.

When to consider other editions:

  • Express: 🎒 If you’re a student or have very small-scale needs.
  • Developer: 💻 If you’re primarily building and testing applications.
  • Enterprise: 🏢 If you have enterprise-level needs with the most comprehensive set of features, unlimited scalability, and advanced high availability options.

I hope this version with the updated icons is more suitable for your needs! Let me know if you have any other questions.

How-to active SQL Server & CAL

Once the product key got updated successfully, SQL Server could use all the box cores.
Here is how the CPU utilization looks on the server.

read load time cpu2

The steps to update the product key are very simple. These are the exact steps required to upgrade the edition of SQL Server. While changing the product key, there is no “real” edition upgrade.

Active & Change SQL Server License key

  • Open the SQL Server installation media and run the setup.exe. OR If you have SQL already installed, then you can also launch “Installation Center” by going to Start->Programs ->Microsoft SQL Server 2016/2019/2022/2024->Configuration Tools-> SQL Server Installation Center[(64-bit)].
  • Click on the Maintenance tab from the left side pane. You can see multiple options in the right side pane. Select the first option, Edition Upgrade, as shown in the image below, and click Next.

SQL Installation Center Edition Upgrade

  • Once you click on the Edition upgrade button, the following window will come to enter the License Key or product Key of SQL Server Instance. Enter your Product Key and hit next.

enter the product key

  • Accept the License Terms and Conditions and Click the Next button to proceed.
  • Select the SQL Server Instance for which you will change the license key if you have multiple instances and Click the Next button.
  • Now, it checks all the rules for edition upgrades. If all the rules show as passed, you can go ahead. If you are getting any warning or error, verify and try to fix it before proceeding.
  • You are all ready to upgrade the edition. Click on the Upgrade button

Update the SQL Server Edition

  • Once the License gets updated successfully, you will see all green checks in the image below.

Update the SQL Server product key completed

So, you have completed the product or license upgrade successfully. I hope you find it useful.

SQL Server Central

Shipment & Delivery

.FREE Secure Electronic Delivery ( Instant Delivery )

Note: While we’re out of stock, we will deliver your products immediately in a couple of hours (excluding holidays).

Free Shipping for Digital License ( Secure Electronic Delivery ), we will deliver your downloads immediately in 5-10 minutes. Please check your email for further instructions about your order. Sometimes spam filters block automated emails. If you do not find the email in your inbox, please check your spam filter or bulk email folder. Or please contact us with any questions.

To pack every single order, we use strong Media Download with Grant access to files, and Media Package with Delivery signed protection to guarantee safety through the shipping/delivery process.

.Flat-Rate Delivery ( via Post )

Note: This is an additional choice for customers when they need us to send the Serial Key including the Manufacturer’s manual by Post. You will pay an amount for the postal service. The following delivery costs are for orders fulfilled by USPS ® and Royal Mail ®.

All software product categories cost $5.99 per delivery ( 1-3 business days) around the U.S (excluding weekends and holidays). See Shipping Policy for more information.