Sage 200 SQL Licensing and Maintenance

For many years Sage has provided the option to provide SQL licensing and associated maintenance with new Sage 200 licences. We have recently been advised, by Sage, about a change to their contract with Microsoft that affects how Sage distributes SQL Runtime licences moving forward.

Please keep reading to understand these changes and how they might impact you.

What’s changing?

The agreement that allows Sage to distribute Runtime licences of Microsoft SQL Server will end on 31^st July 2026.

This change follows the end of a one-off global exception Microsoft previously had in place for Sage. Microsoft is withdrawing this exception as part of a broader policy change.

Which means that with effect from 1^st August 2026:

• Sage will no longer sell new SQL Runtime licences with new software purchases.
• Sage Users can no longer add SQL users to existing Runtime licences.
• Existing maintenance agreements will stay valid until the end of the current term, but won’t renew after 31 July 2026.

What does this mean for customers?

• There is no immediate action required. Existing SQL run time licences will continue to work as normal with no impact to data storage or day to day operations.
• If you have recently purchased SQL Maintenance for a new system or additional user, this will stay valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
• Should you wish to buy an additional user after 31^st July 2026, you will need to source the appropriate SQL CAL from a Microsoft Distributor.
• Should you wish to upgrade your Sage 200 system after 31^st July 2026, and your SQL runtime maintenance has also expired, you will need to check if your current SQL version is supported with your new Sage 200 software. If not, you will need to source the appropriate SQL licence from a Microsoft Distributor.
• From 1^st August 2026, all new Sage 200 customers will need to buy SQL Server licences through a Microsoft Distributor or as part of their hosting package.

Next Actions

Customers with an existing SQL maintenance agreement via Sage who are planning to expand their user count or upgrade their system, should review their current SQL licencing with their account manager immediately.

PKF Smith Cooper are in the process of reviewing alternative SQL Licencing options for our existing SQL clients and will advise further on this in due course.

If you have any queries please contact your Account Manager directly. Alternatively you can contact us via a form submission or on 01332 959 008.