We create and sell complete imaging solutions (instrument + software + computer) to the Life Sciences market. Our newest version of products will be shipping with SQL Server 2012 Standard Edition (formerly SQL Server 2008)
As such, we have an OEM re-seller license for SQL Server 2012 for embedded devices.
I am a little confused as to the recommended method to pre-install SQL Server 2012 on our systems. The OEM installation kit seems to suggest that the end-user must install the SQL Server 2012 license (whether through complete install process or through a 'Complete Sysprep image installation').
We need to pre-configure each instrument and verify its working operation prior to shipping systems to customers and as such need to have a fully working version of SQL Server on the computer while it is undergoing final FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) prior to shipping.
Furthermore, as SQL Sysprep functionality is only fully working for SQL Server 2012 SP1 Cumulative Update 2, this option is not currently available to us as we have only validated the original RTM version of SQL Server 2012.
The current option which seems to make the most sense to us is to install SQL Server 2012 as part of our computer system image, and then to follow up with 'Upgrade Edition' operation with each individual SQL Server 2012 license key. The Microsoft SQL Server license certificate is typically affixed to the inside cover of the computer that ships as part of the complete instrument package.
Please advise,
Louis Dagenais