3-year cost calculator
Pre-filled for Microsoft SQL Server → MySQL. Adjust every figure with your own numbers.
Every figure here is an illustrative estimate, not a vendor quote. Defaults are editable starting points compiled from public information; real, binding pricing comes from the vendor or an authorized distributor. See our methodology.
How this is licensed: Oracle and SQL Server license by the vCPUs of the database server VM. Oracle applies a per-core factor and counts ALL vCPUs unless the workload runs on approved hard-partitioned or Oracle-engineered hardware; SQL Server has a 4-vCPU-per-VM minimum. Set $/vCPU to your edition and core factor.
All figures are illustrative and fully editable — adjust the cost-per-vCPU and migration inputs with your own numbers. Not guaranteed vendor pricing (defaults reviewed May 2026). For a binding quote, use the request form below to reach an authorized distributor or partner.
Quick comparison: Microsoft SQL Server vs MySQL
Common trade-offs teams weigh when staying on Microsoft SQL Server versus moving to MySQL. These are general, commonly-reported considerations — not statements of fact about any vendor — so check them against your own contract and the vendors' current terms.
- Already in production — no migration effort or risk
- Mature ecosystem with vendor support and SLAs
- Core-based licensing plus Software Assurance overhead
- Edition ceilings force costly upgrades
- Coupled to Windows Server licensing
- Ongoing per-core + software assurance cost to budget for
- Higher vendor lock-in to weigh
- Open source — no license fees
- Lower vendor lock-in
- Cost model: Free CE / paid editions
- Requires a migration (~18 weeks, high effort)
- Community support by default — paid support optional
- Higher operational learning curve
Why teams evaluate alternatives to Microsoft SQL Server
Reasons commonly cited by users and in public industry coverage for re-evaluating Microsoft SQL Server. These are general, reported considerations — not statements of fact about Microsoft — and may not reflect your situation or the vendor's current terms. Verify against your own contract before deciding.
- Core-based licensing plus Software Assurance overhead
- Edition ceilings force costly upgrades
- Coupled to Windows Server licensing
The migration plan
Roughly 18 weeks for a mid-size estate, in six phases.
Tooling & automation
AWS SCT; review T-SQL and datatype differences; staged cutover.
OffVendor's wizard pre-fills these scripts with your environment — inventory export, disk/schema conversion, bulk provisioning, and validation.
Frequently asked
Is migrating from Microsoft SQL Server to MySQL worth it?
For most teams facing rising Microsoft SQL Server costs, yes — MySQL (free ce / paid editions) typically lowers 3-year total cost of ownership, though the right answer depends on workload complexity and in-house skills. Use the calculator to model your own numbers.
How long does a Microsoft SQL Server to MySQL migration take?
A typical mid-size estimate is around 18 weeks across six phases — discovery, design, pilot, waved production migration, validation, and decommission. Larger or more complex estates take longer.
What tools are used to migrate from Microsoft SQL Server to MySQL?
AWS SCT; review T-SQL and datatype differences; staged cutover.