With current Windows Server licenses that include Software Assurance or are on a subscription, you can license virtual machines (VMs) individually rather than licensing the physical host. This can lead to significant cost savings, especially in scenarios with powerful servers hosting only a few VMs.
I recently encountered a company with a 256-core server and just a few VMs. By switching to the new licensing model, they drastically reduced their licensing costs.
If you’re using virtualization software like VMware, you can skip licensing the host entirely and only license the VMs themselves.
Under the traditional licensing model for Windows Server Standard (pre-2022 or without Software Assurance), you are limited to two VMs on a licensed physical host. In contrast, a Windows Server Datacenter Edition license assigned to a physical host allows you to run an unlimited number of VMs and containers as long as your hardware permits.
#Microsoft #Cloud #procurement
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SAMexpert is an international independent business consulting company focused on Microsoft vendor management, including strategy, cost, compliance, and audit defence. Our commercial advice for CFOs, CIOs, procurement, and IT leaders is always unbiased because we do not sell Microsoft licenses or services.
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Please watch: “Windows Server 2025, Azure Cost Management, FY2024 Results – August 2024 Microsoft Update”
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