As part of Microsoft’s ongoing modernisation of its SQL Server portfolio, Microsoft has confirmed that it will end the ISV Runtime (ISVr) agreement. This agreement previously allowed software vendors, including Sage, to distribute Microsoft SQL Server Runtime licences at discounted rates.
From 1 August 2026, Sage will no longer be able to:
- Sell SQL Runtime licences for new customers
- Add users to existing SQL Runtime licences
- Sell or renew SQL Runtime maintenance
- Customers who need additional SQL users after this date will need to move to Standard SQL Server licensing.
What this means for existing customers
SQL Runtime licences are perpetual, so customers can continue to use what they already have.
This is a commercial and licensing change driven by Microsoft, aligned to their cloud-first strategy and simplified licensing model.
From a Sage CRM perspective, there is no change to the underlying technology or database support. Sage CRM continues to use Microsoft SQL Server as its core database platform.
This FAQ focuses on the technical implications only. For any questions related to pricing, licensing, or commercial positioning, partners should contact their local Sage account manager.
What is changing?
Microsoft is discontinuing the ISV Runtime licensing programme. This affects how SQL Server Runtime licences are distributed and sold.
Important:
This does not change how Sage CRM works with Microsoft SQL Server.
Does this impact Sage CRM technically?
No.
There is no technical impact on Sage CRM.
Sage CRM continues to:
- Use Microsoft SQL Server as its database platform
- Support multiple SQL Server editions
- Operate exactly as it does today
There are no required changes to existing Sage CRM environments as a result of this announcement.
Which versions of SQL Server does Sage CRM support?
Sage CRM supports:
- Microsoft SQL Server Express
- Microsoft SQL Server Standard, Enterprise and Web editions
- Azure SQL
Support for newer SQL Server versions continues as part of Sage CRM’s regular release cycle, including support for SQL Server 2025.
What about SQL Server Express?
Microsoft SQL Server Express remains a key part of the Sage CRM platform strategy.
- SQL Server Express is free to use, including in production environments
- It is suitable for smaller or lightweight deployments
Current position:
- SQL Server Express 2022 is included with Sage CRM today
- SQL Server Express 2025 is supported from Sage CRM 2025 R1
- SQL Server Express 2025 will be included in the Sage CRM distribution from 2026 R2
This provides a fully supported, no-cost database option for many Sage CRM installations.
Can Sage CRM still be deployed without SQL Runtime?
Yes.
Sage CRM does not depend on SQL Runtime specifically. It requires a supported Microsoft SQL Server database, which can be:
- SQL Server Express
- SQL Server Standard, Enterprise or Web
- Azure SQL
From a technical standpoint, Sage CRM remains fully flexible in how it is deployed.
What options are available for larger or more complex environments?
For customers with higher performance or scalability requirements, Sage CRM supports:
- Microsoft SQL Server Standard
- Microsoft SQL Server Enterprise
- Microsoft SQL Server Web
- Azure SQL (cloud deployments)
These options are unchanged and continue to be fully supported.
Are there any changes required for existing customers?
No immediate changes are required.
- Existing Sage CRM systems will continue to operate normally
- Existing SQL Server environments remain supported
Future decisions around scaling or upgrading database infrastructure may involve different licensing approaches, but this is outside the scope of the product itself.
Does this affect Sage CRM installations in the cloud?
No.
Sage CRM continues to support:
- Hosted environments
- Partner-managed infrastructure
- Azure-based deployments using Azure SQL
This change does not affect Sage CRM’s ability to run in cloud or hybrid architectures.
Is Sage CRM changing its database technology?
No.
There are no plans to move away from Microsoft SQL Server.
Sage CRM continues to:
- Invest in platform compatibility
- Support new SQL Server versions
- Ensure stability, security, and performance
What should partners communicate to customers?
From a technical perspective, the message is straightforward:
- Sage CRM continues to run on Microsoft SQL Server without change
- There is no impact to existing systems
- SQL Server Express remains available for smaller deployments
- Full SQL Server editions and Azure SQL continue to be supported
For any licensing or commercial discussions, partners should engage with their Sage account manager.
Where can I get more information?
For technical guidance:
- Refer to Sage CRM documentation and release notes
- Review supported platforms for your Sage CRM version
For commercial and licensing questions:
- Contact your local Sage representative or account manager
Final thoughts
While Microsoft’s decision marks a shift in how SQL Server is licensed, it does not change the technical foundations of Sage CRM.
Sage CRM remains a flexible, SQL Server-based platform, capable of supporting a wide range of deployment scenarios, from lightweight installations using SQL Server Express through to enterprise-scale and cloud-hosted environments.