When to consider SQL Server Enterprise

The crux of the matter lies in Scalability – and security (encryption of data at rest).

Here are a few things that you will get with SQL Enterprise that you will not with SQL Standard

Vertical Scalability

Can use the maximum amount of RAM and number of core processors that the host system offers.

Superior DBMS capabilities scalability features as table and index partitioning, data compression and partition table parallelism.

Horizontal Scalability and High Availability

High Availability is also superior in Enterprise Edition. Creating database snapshots, multisubnet clusters and mirrored backups are all part of Enterprise Edition.

Always On Availability Groups

While Microsoft is planning to offer these for Standard Edition as well (from 2016 onwards), AlwaysOn availability groups were a MAJOR Enterprise feature that provided configurable SQL Clusters (think of an Oracle RAC like structure with multiple redundant nodes).

Data Security – TDE

Transparent data encryption (TDE) is a feature built into SQL Enterprise. It is faster and more efficient than doing an entire DISK encryption (which is your only option with SQL Server).

The Cost Difference – SQL Enterprise vs. Standard

Enterprise SQL Server is typically about 3.5 times as expensive  as the standard.

Standard = $2000 per core

Enterprise = $7000 per core

Summary

While Enterprise edition hurts your pocket more, if  Scalability and Security are a real concern for your application ( s) , consider SQL Enterprise.  It is the only thing that comes truly close to an Oracle RAC – with it’s high availability and lightning fast performance features.