Licensing SQL Server Client Tools

Ever since I have been using SQL Server you have had the ability to manage SQL Server from another machine, so back in the day I used enterprise manager and query analyzer on my PC to do stuff on a server hidden in a basement somewhere. 

At some sites an enterprising software compliance guy would quiz me on whether or not it was OK to install the client tools on my machine.  I would point out that what matters is the license to connect to the server SO provided that the server I was connected to had a CAL assigned to me or it was CPU licensed then all is well, as the client tools aren’t licensed themselves. That usually sent him away, and I had a smug look on my face until the server team applied a service pack to SQL and then I needed to service pack my PC/laptop to get working properly again.

But  is this correct? In a word yes, the EULA you agree to when you download SQL Server has this clause in it:

a. Running Instances of the Additional Software. You may run or otherwise use any number of instances of additional software listed below on any number of devices. You may use additional software only with the server software directly, or indirectly through other additional software.

  • Analysis Services Shared Tools
  • Business Intelligence Development Studio
  • SQL Server 2005 Books Online
  • Connectivity Components
  • Legacy Components
  • Management Tools
  • Notification Services Client Components
  • Reporting Services Report Manager
  • Reporting Services Shared Tools
  • SQL Server 2005 Shared Tools
  • Software Development Kit
  • SQLXML Client Features
  • SQL Server Mobile Server Tools

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