> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://functional.gitbook.io/database_comparison_report/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://functional.gitbook.io/database_comparison_report/mssql/cons-of-mssql.md).

# Cons of MSSQL

**High cost**. Being mostly used at an enterprise scale, MSSQL Server remains one of the most expensive solutions. Speaking of numbers, the Enterprise edition currently costs over $14, 000 per core, sold as 2 core packs.

**Unclear and floating license conditions.** Another issue is the ever-changing licensing process. The pricing strategy itself is hard to understand and the elements included in a particular edition are floating, tending to shift from one to another.

**Complicated tuning process.** For those beginners who have to operate heavy data sets, working with query optimization and performance tuning may be problematic. As the process is not so obvious, it can create substantial bottlenecks early on.