Choosing the edition

SQL Server is no longer just a database, but has grown into a database platform - an ecosystem - which consists of many additional services (such as SSRS, SSAS, and SSIS) that supports and also extends the capabilities of modern database usage. When installing Machine Learning R Services (in a database), one should think about the ecosystem environment and which additional services would be used along with R Services. If the business need requires advanced R (or Python) integration and analytics, the Enterprise edition is the right one. If only basic R integration is needed, the standard version will cover the needs. Also, think along the lines of other analytical tools if you need analysis services or reporting services, and which developments tools would also be needed for that (for example, MDX on top of OLAP cubes and running R code against the same data...