A Guide to Microsoft Licensing for Windows Server

Understanding Microsoft Licensing for Windows Server

If you’re setting up a new Windows server, it can be a complicated process to understand the requirements for Microsoft licensing. In this section, we will explain the key concepts that will help you navigate Microsoft licensing for Windows Server. We’ll cover important information such as software assurance requirements and licenses for different server configurations, as well as CALs and Windows Server Essentials for single-socket servers. By the end of this section, you’ll have all the necessary information to make informed decisions about the licenses required to keep your Windows server operating smoothly.

Required Licenses and Software Assurance

For Microsoft Windows Server, customers must fulfill two requirements: acquiring Required Licenses and Software Assurance. This grants access to the software and support from Microsoft. The table details the Required Licenses and Software Assurance for Standard, Datacenter, and Essentials editions of Windows Server.

Edition	Required License	Software Assurance
Standard	1 or 2	Optional
Datacenter	2	Mandatory
Essentials	1	Optional

With Software Assurance, customers of the Windows Server Datacenter edition can move their virtual machines to Azure without extra fees. Software Assurance offers 24/7 technical support and security updates.

Required Licenses and Software Assurance are essential for successful deployment and to avoid possible issues. Microsoft has required these for a long time and will continue to do so. To avoid penalties, customers should thoroughly read all the documentation provided by Microsoft before purchase or action.

CALs Required Every User

Each user or device must have a Client Access License (CAL) to access Windows Server. This CAL is a must-have for using Windows Server services. The Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2019 need CALs for each user or device; they are sold separately from the license.

A User CAL gives an individual user access to Windows Server from any device. A Device CAL allows any user on that device to access the server. Note: CALs are different from server licenses. They do not provide any physical software, instead they authorize individuals or devices to access the system’s services.

For more info on the agreement terms and conditions, visit Microsoft’s Licensing Resources and Documents Site.

Dual Use Rights with Datacenter Edition Licensing

Windows Server Datacenter Edition licensing offers dual-use rights. This means customers can use the same licenses for on-premises servers and in Azure without any extra costs. This is great for businesses that need flexibility and cost savings in their IT infrastructure.

The table shows Dual Use Rights with Datacenter Edition Licensing specifics:

	On-Premises	Azure
License	Windows Server Datacenter	Windows Server Datacenter
Conditions for use	Any physical server covered by the agreement	Unlimited virtualization on up to two processors per license for one person or user with Software Assurance

Furthermore, businesses can use Dual Use Rights along with the Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server Subscription Licenses. This means customers can allocate virtual cores using their Windows Server Core licenses with software assurance in Azure at a discounted rate compared to standard pay-as-you-go pricing.

In conclusion, Dual Use Rights with Datacenter Edition Licensing give businesses exceptional flexibility and cost savings. This way, they can get the best performance from on-premises and cloud resources.

Windows Server Essentials for Single-Socket Servers

Windows Server Essentials is the perfect server management solution for small businesses with single-socket servers. It comes with all the features needed to efficiently set up and manage a network infrastructure, while keeping costs low. Data can be backed up and restored locally or in the cloud, so it’s safe and secure.

This edition of Windows Server Essentials supports up to 25 users and 50 devices. It’s great for small operations, and can even be used in virtual environments, the public or private cloud. Plus, it’s not limited to pre-installed hardware.

Keep in mind, any Windows server license needs client access licenses (CALs). These authorize access to certain server features, like file sharing and printing services.

Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server Subscription Licenses

As we explore the Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server Subscription Licenses, we will see how it entitles users to utilize Azure resources and allocate virtual cores through their Windows Server Core Licenses.

Entitles Use of Azure Resources

The Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server Subscription Licenses entitles users to use Azure resources for their workloads. This benefit helps them extend on-premises servers to the cloud while still keeping the benefits of their current licenses.

Windows Server Core Licenses with Software Assurance let organizations allocate virtual cores. This helps them move workloads to Azure and scale up or down without needing extra licenses.

The base compute rate for new Windows Server virtual machines uses the same allocation model as Windows Server Core Licenses with Software Assurance. This helps customers get the most from their Software Assurance for Windows Server.

Note: All server instances operating in Azure must be properly licensed if not covered by on-premises licenses or Software Assurance coverage. However, using the Azure Hosting clause lets users license these instances at a reduced rate.

Maximize your Windows Server Core Licenses with Software Assurance. Allocate virtual cores and take advantage of this great Azure benefit.

Allocation of Virtual Cores using Windows Server Core Licenses with Software Assurance

Customers may enjoy great cost savings when they migrate their workloads into Azure. But, to use this feature effectively, they will need specific criteria. Such as, active Software Assurance coverage for their Windows Server Core licenses and exact adherence to Microsoft’s licensing guidelines.

It is amazing that Microsoft offers various ways for customers to save money on licensing costs. And, the allocation of virtual cores with Windows Server Core Licenses and Software Assurance is one such example. Customers upgrading from outdated Windows Servers will likely value this feature’s advantages.

Base Compute Rate for New Windows Server Virtual Machines

Windows Server Virtual Machines’ licensing costs are based on a base compute rate. This rate depends on factors such as virtual CPUs, memory, and storage capacity.

To calculate this rate, columns like number of cores and maximum memory capacity must be considered. For more information on Microsoft Licensing for Windows Server, please refer to A Guide to Microsoft Licensing for Windows Server.

The minimum size for the VM is 8 cores and 16GB of memory, and the maximum is 64 cores and 448GB of memory.

Customers can lower their costs by creating larger VMs by combining smaller ones. They only need to pay for the active virtual cores and memory used in the virtual machine environment.

This information is from Microsoft’s website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/product-licensing/windows-server.

Incremental Movement of Windows Server Workloads into Azure

Optimize performance & cost with Microsoft’s incremental movement of Windows Server workloads to Azure cloud services. Follow these steps for a strategic & practical process:

1. Assess your on-premises environment. Identify workloads suitable for the cloud.
2. Prepare & optimize the workload for Azure.
3. Configure the Azure environment to replicate on-prem assets.
4. Migrate the workload. Validate the migration.

Evaluate the workload, its app dependencies, and user experience to identify which ones are suitable for the cloud. Cloud services bring resilience, scalability, and on-demand compute power.

Don’t miss out on the advantages of incremental movement into Azure. Optimizing the workload, migration to the cloud, and enjoying scalability, resilience, and cost optimization can be a game-changer. Don’t wait to enjoy the benefits of cloud computing.

Base Windows Server Functionality on Azure without CALs

If you want to use Base Windows Server functions on Azure, Microsoft lets you do so without needing Client Access Licenses (CALs). You can access basic features such as file and print services, remote desktop, secure boot, and BitLocker encryption by running a Windows Server virtual machine on Azure.

But, you need to buy CALs if you want more features like Active Directory or Remote Desktop Gateway. This only applies to Windows Server on the Azure environment. If you use something else, you’ll need to buy CALs.

Remember, you still need to get licenses for software running on the server. But, Azure Hybrid Benefit can help reduce these costs.

To sum up, businesses can access Windows Server base functions on Azure without needing CALs. But, it’s essential to consider additional features and other licensing requirements.

Leveraging Azure Hosting Clause for Customer Solutions

Microsoft presents Azure hosting services for customers to take advantage of. With this, they can enjoy scalability, cost savings, accessibility and security. Cloud computing services mean businesses can run in a flexible and secure environment.

Azure hosting lowers costs with management tools and integrated security. Customers can streamline their operations and save on infrastructure and operational costs. Plus, they can choose from a range of Microsoft services such as Azure Active Directory, Microsoft Azure Storage, Azure Virtual Machines and more.

Licensing agreements from Windows Server make it easy to use Windows Server in customer solutions. Additionally, personalized support options are available to make the migration to Azure hosting simpler. This includes support tickets, access to documentation and personalized services.

Microsoft Licensing Resources and Documents Site

The Microsoft Licensing Resources and Documents Site is the perfect place to get reliable info about Windows Server licensing. It’s got documents, tools, videos, and FAQs to answer all your licensing questions. As an organization, you want to make sure you pick the right license for your needs. The site has lots of info on different licensing options to help you decide.

An awesome feature of this site is the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program. This is great for orgs needing multiple licenses. The site has resources and guides to manage agreements easily. Plus, they have tools to track and manage licenses. Moreover, there are webcasts, training, and case studies to help with Microsoft licensing and save costs.

If you have any queries or issues, the licensing support section is the place to go. Experts are available to help you out. You can also get in touch with Microsoft licensing specialists for personalized advice.

CALs and Pricing for Datacenter and Standard Editions

Microsoft’s Windows Server software comes in two forms: Standard and Datacenter. CALs (Client Access Licenses) are required for users or devices to access the server. The cost of the license depends on the chosen licensing model and the number of CALs.

Per Core and Per Processor are the two models. The cost of a Datacenter CAL is $193, and the Standard edition CAL is $97.

Organizations that buy Windows Server through Microsoft Volume Licensing can save money with Software Assurance, which gives access to new software releases, product support, training, and other benefits. Microsoft has made some changes to the licensing model recently, like discontinuing Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2016 and introducing a subscription-based model named Windows Server Subscription, which includes access to Azure services.

Replaced

Microsoft recently switched to cloud-based server operating systems, so the licensing requirements changed too. This new cloud-based system is subscription-based and billed per user, making license management simpler than before. This model simplifies the renewal process and can be automated, so businesses can provide more value to their clients. Redmond Magazine states the subscription-based model is more efficient and cost-effective. This shift leads to savings and improved productivity for businesses.

Redirected MSVL Themicrosoft

Microsoft Volume Licensing (MSVLs) is becoming very popular among IT experts. MSVL has been redirected to make life easier for IT professionals. This program offers cost-effective and flexible options. It simplifies license management and reduces costs and software asset management. Therefore, businesses can purchase multiple licenses on a large scale, which is necessary for Windows Server.

Microsoft seeks to provide an easy-to-use licensing program for IT professionals. MSVL provides a flexible licensing model that can be tailored to people’s individual needs. Organizations can select perpetual licenses for one-time usage or opt for a subscription-based licensing model. This model enables organizations to pay only for what they need when they need it. MSVL is great for organizations aiming to streamline their licensing and installation processes while minimizing costs.

Eight

Microsoft Licensing for Windows Server can be complex. Understanding the available options is key to staying compliant. There are eight Microsoft licensing programs. Organizations must carefully evaluate each to find the best fit. These include the Open License Program, Enterprise Agreement, and Select Plus Program.

Organizations also need to understand the licensing models. These include the Per Core Model, Per User Model, and Server + CAL Model. Each has its own requirements. It is important to choose the best fit.

To avoid legal issues, review licenses regularly. Also, keep track of them and stay up-to-date with licensing requirements. Doing this can prevent costly fines and penalties.

Country

Microsoft licensing for Windows Server is important to consider. Prices and regulations vary by country, plus some have exclusive partners. Check the Microsoft Licensing website to find information for your location.

Third-party providers may be more cost-effective in some countries. Research the best options for licensing in your country. Different regulations may apply for government agencies and educational institutions.

Work with a trusted third-party provider to simplify the process. Invest in Software Assurance for upgrades and support services. Stay informed to make cost-effective decisions about Microsoft licensing.

FAQs about A Guide To Microsoft Licensing For Windows Server

What is Microsoft Licensing for Windows Server?

Microsoft Licensing for Windows Server refers to the policies and terms set by Microsoft for the use, distribution, and pricing of their Windows Server software.

What is the Azure Hybrid Benefit?

The Azure Hybrid Benefit allows for bringing on-premises Windows Server subscription licenses or licenses with Software Assurance to Azure. Instead of paying full price for a new Windows Server virtual machine, only the base compute rate is charged. Each set of 16 Windows Server core licenses with Software Assurance allows for use on up to 16 virtual cores allocated across two or fewer Azure virtual machines. Additional sets of eight licenses can be added for use on up to eight virtual cores and one Base Instance.

Are CALs required for every user or device accessing a server?

Yes, CALs are necessary for every user or device accessing a server. More details can be found in the Product Use Rights.

What are the benefits of licenses with Software Assurance?

Licenses with Software Assurance allow for use on up to 16 virtual cores allocated across two or fewer Azure virtual machines. Additional sets of eight licenses can be added for use on up to eight virtual cores and one Base Instance. Dual use rights are available with Datacenter Edition licensing, allowing for lower-cost instances in Azure while maintaining on-premises deployments. Standard Edition licensing provides lower-cost instances in Azure but does not provide dual use rights.

What happened to the Microsoft Volume Licensing website?

The Microsoft Volume Licensing website has been replaced by the Microsoft Licensing Resources and Documents site. All the content that was previously hosted on MSVL can now be found on this new site. Users should update their bookmarks to https://aka.ms/licensingdocs.

Do I need a Windows Server CAL for base Windows Server functionality on Azure?

No, access to base Windows Server functionality on Azure does not require base Windows Server CALs.