I recently purchased a SQL Server 2019 Standard Edition – Server/CAL license which I want to use to upgrade my current installation of SQL Server 2019 Express on a CentOS 7 system.
According to the FAQ I just need to re-run the mssql-conf configuration script and change the edition to Standard. It says the setup won’t ask me for the license, but how does it validates I do indeed have a legit installation?
EDIT: Answer below. Now, as a side note, next time if possible I’d like to get feedback on why am I getting minus points since it would help clarify what is wrong with my post.
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Answer
I reached out to Microsoft and I was told the CAL license works differently from a retail license in which the first one doesn’t needs to be entered for the product to be considered valid. In case I get audited by Microsoft, I just need to show them my access to the VLSC as proof of ownership.