Case Project 1-1: Selecting a SQL Server 2012 Edition

Smith Medical Systems supplies hospitals throughout the Midwest. The chief marketing officer (CMO) has approved the purchase of a new customer relationship management system that will be used by the 20 members of the sales staff. The system requires a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 installation to host the application database. The CMO asks you to brief her on the differences between the main editions of SQL Server (as well as the different licensing options) and to provide a recommendation on both the edition and licensing option that you think is best suited to the companys needs. The CMO anticipates her sales force will grow by 25 percent per year, and she would like the option to develop a set of internal Business Intelligence tools in the future.

Describe the key differences between the main editions of SQL Server 2012, and make a recommendation.

Describe the licensing options available for the edition that you have recommended, and make a recommendation on the licensing option you think would work best for the company.

How will the solution you have proposed be able to scale to meet the future needs of a growing user base and more advanced Business Intelligence capabilities?