Microsoft SQL Server via Azure Arc Through a Service Provider
23-07-2026 16:21Microsoft service providers have multiple options for charging customers for SQL Server workloads running on shared service provider infrastructure. The first option is the traditional Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA). Under SPLA, the service provider reports to Microsoft the number of SQL Server cores or Subscriber Access Licenses (SALs) that have been made available to customers. For the past several years, another option has been available: SQL Server pay-as-you-go through Azure Arc. This model also provides monthly billing, but the subscription is owned by the customer. This article explains how it works and what the benefits are for both customers and service providers.