If I want to get a copy of SQL 2012 Web Edition, do I have to go through a hosting provider such as Rackspace? What about if I am in the MS Select program and a Volume Licensing account?
How is it licensed? Is it also a per core license?
Also, can I restore a database from an SQL 2012 Development Edition instance to an SQL 2012 Web Edition instance?
If I want to get a copy of SQL 2012 Web Edition, do I have to go through a hosting provider such as Rackspace
No, you can also sign a SPLA agreement yourself.
Is it also a per core license?
Prety much. Per processor.
can I restore a database from an SQL 2012 Development Edition instance to an SQL 2012 Web Edition instance?
Maybe, maybe not. As in - depends. As in: Developer is Enterprise, technically - you can also not restore it on a STANDARD if you use enterprise features. Same with Web. Backup/Restore is not a good way to manage that anyway, deployment scripts are, especially later when you go on developping new features.
