My apologies if this is a stupid question, but I have an old SQL Server 2008 R2 server that it is time to refresh. I have read every post in this sub-forum, and did not see any mention of activation techniques for version 2019. Other than spending hundreds of dollars purchasing a legitimate license from Microsoft, or purchasing a sketchy one from some "fly-by-night" seller on eBay, what are the current options for SQL 2019 permanent activation in the context of MDL methodologies? Thanks in advance!
@ElvisNewKing Afaik, SQL Server 2019 does not need to run any activation procedure. You just need the proper key for the 'flavour' you want, for it to get installed. That's it.
Just download Developer ISO or exe from MS website and use Standard/Enterprise key. Then you'll have latest version. It'll just download it fast from MS.
Those are the MSDN keys. Just download the MSDN media. Read the thread. You don't need to register anything.