Windows Server R2 will continue to have the same licensing model as Windows Serverwith two editions available in volume licensing: Standard edition and Datacenter edition.
A single license covers up to two physical processors. Here are just a few examples: Enterprise-class virtual machine density, performance, and mobility with best-in-class performance and scale for Microsoft workloads High-performance file-based storage on cost-effective, industry-standard hardware with inbox storage virtualization and tiering Highly available, in-box hybrid networking for bridging physical and virtual networks in a multi-tenant environment and across premises Protection and recovery of assets for all your workloads with simple and affordable disaster recovery options Flexible remote access to corporate resources from virtually anywhere and on any device while helping to protect corporate information.
Because there is feature parity between Windows Server R2 Standard and Datacenter editions, your decision will be based on your virtualization strategy, as virtualization rights are the only differentiator between the editions. If your strategy calls for a highly virtualized environment, Datacenter edition will provide you with optimum flexibility because it allows for unlimited virtualization. This edition gives you the elasticity to add and move virtual OSEs across Datacenter licensed servers without needing to track the virtual OSE count on that server.
If you purchase Standard edition today but find you need to expand the virtualization capacity of your licensed server, you can do one of the following: Purchase additional Core infrastructure server datacenter - windows server 2012 r2 (std and datactr) free download edition licenses and assign them to the same physical server, giving you the rights to run additional instances of Windows Server.
The server must have the appropriate number of licenses assigned to it to ensure coverage of all of the virtual OSEs that are running at any given time. Purchase a Software Assurance Step-up license to Datacenter edition, changing the license to a higher edition that allows unlimited virtual OSEs. To use this benefit, your underlying license must have Software Assurance. With the Windows Server R2 Standard edition licensing model, you can grow your virtualization environment by either buying a step-up license to Datacenter edition if you have Software Assurance, or by simply buying additional Standard edition licenses and assigning them to the same physical server.
For example, if you have a two-processor server and want to run a total of four VOSEs, you can purchase two Standard edition licenses and assign them to the same server. Additional examples are shown in the following table.
Windows Server R2. Windows Server R2 captures the experience Microsoft has gained from building and operating public clouds to deliver a highly dynamic, available, and cost-effective server platform core infrastructure server datacenter - windows server 2012 r2 (std and datactr) free download your datacenter and private cloud.
The following information provides an overview of your key licensing options. Licensing editions Compare features in all editions to determine the ideal solution for your virtualization and cloud computing needs.
Datacenter edition is ideal for customers who want to have a highly virtualized private and hybrid cloud environment. As always, it provides access to all the product features and enables unlimited instances of Windows Server with each license, enabling your virtual environment to grow as you do.
The licensing for Datacenter edition will continue to be processor plus CAL Client Access Licensewith each license covering up to two physical processors on a single server. Standard edition is ideal for those customers who want to have a physical or lightly virtualized environment.
This edition enables you to run up to two virtual instances of Windows Server with each license and provides all the same features as Datacenter edition. The licensing for Standard edition will continue to be processor plus CAL, with each license covering up to two physical processors on a single server, just like Datacenter edition.
Essentials edition is ideal for small businesses that have up to 25 users and want to have a simpler, pre-configured connection to cloud-based services. This edition enables you to run a single virtual instance of Essentials. The licensing for Essentials will continue to be a server license for a two processor server that does not require CALs. Foundation edition is ideal for small businesses that have up to 15 users and want a general purpose server.
The licensing for Foundation has not changed; it continues to be a server license for a one-processor server that does not core infrastructure server datacenter - windows server 2012 r2 (std and datactr) free download CALs and is sold only through OEM original equipment manufacturer.
FAQ Find answers to questions about features, licensing models, and determining which edition is right for you. How is Windows Server R2 licensed? Here are just a few examples:. How do I determine which Windows Server R2 edition is right for me? If you purchase Standard edition today but find you need to expand the virtualization capacity of your licensed server, you can do one of the following:. Related resources. Azure Hybrid Use Benefit. Windows Server R2 product page. Windows Server R2 licensing guide.
Windows Server R2 datasheet. Licensing Microsoft server products in virtual environments. Download information about licensing models for using Microsoft server products with virtualization technologies.
Featured Video. Windows Server Licensing. Related links. Product licensing FAQs. Microsoft Volume Licensing Core infrastructure server datacenter - windows server 2012 r2 (std and datactr) free download Centers. Microsoft Payment Solutions. Learn more about the Enterprise Agreement.
