If you want to maximize your experience with Windows Server, it’s crucial to ensure that your licensing is in order. This involves determining the number of processors and cores you’re utilizing, as well as the number of users and devices that will require access to the server.
Elite Enterprise Software, a certified Microsoft Gold partner, has prepared a guide that explains the critical licensing distinctions between the latest Microsoft Server versions and editions. By referring to this guide, you can learn which licensing arrangement is most suitable for your requirements. You can also purchase Windows Server operating systems and CALs from our team today!
Most users will opt for Windows Server Standard, as this is the most flexible option. The Standard edition accounts for scalability while being cost effective.
Edition | Core(s) | CALs | VM Support |
Standard | 16/24 Cores | Per User/Device | 2 (per 16-core license) |
Datacenter | 16/24 Cores | Per User/Device | Unlimited |
Feature | Standard | Datacenter |
Core Windows Server functionality | ✔ | ✔ |
Hybrid integration | ✔ | ✔ |
OSEs/Hyper-V isolated containers | 2 | Unlimited |
Windows Server containers | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Storage Replica | Limited to single Storage Replica volume up to 2TB | ✔ |
Software-defined networking | - | ✔ |
Software-defined storage | - | ✔ |
Edition | Core(s) | CALs | VM Support |
Essentials | 1-2 CPU | n/a | n/a |
Standard | 16/24 Cores | Per User/Device | 2 (per 16-core license) |
Datacenter | 16/24 Cores | Per User/Device | Unlimited |
Feature | Essentials | Standard | Datacenter |
Core functionality of Windows Server | - | ✔ | ✔ |
OSEs/Hyper V Containers | - | ✔ (x2) | ✔ (unlimited) |
Windows Server Containers | - | ✔ | ✔ |
Host Guardian Service | - | ✔ | ✔ |
Nano Server | - | ✔ | ✔ |
Storage features including Storage Spaces Direct and Storage Replica | - | - | ✔ |
Shielded Virtual Machines | - | - | ✔ |
Networking stack | - | - | ✔ |