MAP Toolkit: How to Tell the Difference Between a SQL Server Instance in Production Versus Evaluation

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This type of question normally comes up when a customer wants to find out if a SQL Server can be used in a production environment. Whether a SQL server can be used in production or not depends on how a sql server is installed and does not depends on the install source (MSDN, TechNet or CD). Once a SQL server is installed, this information is recorded as SQL server edition information and with MAP SQL discovery, this information is reported.

To find out about SQL server edition, first use MAP to do a sql scan.  Under SQL Assessment report – DatabaseInstances workbook, under SQL Server Edition column, it lists the SQL Server edition information which tell you if a SQL Server is an evaluation copy.  

Take SQL Server 2008 R2 installed from MSDN subscription for an example. Upon installation, you will be asked if you want to specify a free edition,

 

With free edition/Evaluation selected, after the installation is complete, MAP reports the Evaluation Edition in the SQL assessment report:

When a SQL Server Edition is marked as Evaluation, it cannot be used in a production environment. < 

In the case if you decide to install the developer or enterprise edition of SQL Server 2008 R2 from MSDN. Upon installation, you can select the “product key PID” option.  After the installation is complete, MAP reports the Developer or Enterprise Edition in the SQL assessment report: