Windows Licensing Structure

jorija jorija
Nov 24, 2023 - 11:14 Updated: Jul 23, 2024 - 11:15
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Editions

  1. Windows Server Standard

    • Suitable for non-virtualized or lightly virtualized environments.
    • Licensing is based on cores.

  2. Windows Server Datacenter

    • Ideal for highly virtualized and cloud environments.
    • Includes unlimited virtualization rights.
    • Licensing is based on cores.

  3. Windows Server Essentials

    • Intended for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices.
    • Licensing is based on a server license (no CALs required).

  4. Windows Server MultiPoint Premium Server

    • Designed for academic environments where multiple users need access to one system.

Licensing Models

  1. Per Core Licensing

    • Standard and Datacenter editions use per core licensing.
    • Requires a minimum of 8 core licenses per processor and 16 core licenses per server.
    • Additional core licenses can be purchased in packs of two.

  2. Client Access Licenses (CALs)

    • Required for each user or device accessing the server.
    • Two types of CALs:
      • User CALs: Allows a single user to access the server from multiple devices.
      • Device CALs: Allows multiple users to access the server from a single device.

  3. Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CALs

    • Required for users or devices that need to access applications or desktops remotely.
    • RDS User CALs and RDS Device CALs are available.

Licensing Options

  1. Volume Licensing

    • Ideal for organizations with more than five servers.
    • Offers cost savings and flexible payment options.

  2. OEM Licensing

    • Pre-installed by hardware manufacturers.
    • Usually less expensive but tied to the hardware.

  3. Retail Licensing

    • Purchased from a retailer.
    • More flexible but typically more expensive than volume or OEM licensing.

Additional Considerations

  • Software Assurance: Provides benefits such as new version rights, training, support, and deployment planning.
  • Hyper-V: Datacenter edition includes unlimited virtualization rights, while the Standard edition includes licenses for up to two Operating System Environments (OSEs) or Hyper-V containers.
  • Azure Hybrid Benefit: Allows you to use existing Windows Server licenses with Software Assurance to save on Azure.