This is a repackaged software product wherein additional charges apply for the installation and configuration of Microsoft SQL Server which is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft. As a database server, it is a software product with the primary function of storing and retrieving data as requested by other software applications which may run either on the same computer or on another computer across a network (including the Internet). Microsoft markets at least a dozen different editions of Microsoft SQL Server, aimed at different audiences and for workloads ranging from small single-machine applications to large Internet-facing applications with many concurrent users.

The SQL Server Amazon Machine Images (AMI) is built, updated, and fully-patched by AWS within five business days of Microsoft's patch Tuesday (the second Tuesday of each month). Launching an instance from this AMI enables you to run the instance as a database server and saves you the effort to install SQL Server software. This AMI comes with following software and drivers including AWS Systems Manager, AWS CloudFormation, AWS Tools for Windows PowerShell, Network drivers, and Storage drivers.

You can use AWS Launch Wizard to easily size, configure, and deploy SQL Server applications on AWS. Launch Wizard for SQL Server supports both single instance and high availability deployments according to AWS and SQL Server best practices.