Datacenter licensing

[BJG]

Very basic question, but I just need a simple, accurate answer which I'm finding hard to get.

 

I have a machine running Server 2012 Datacenter. If I want to add additional virtual servers, do I need to purchase any additional licences, and what server edition should I install on the VMs...?

 

(Installing Datacenter on the VMs seems odd, but I don't have a key for Standard. I also can't quite believe that I can run unlimited virtual servers without additional licences, which is what I've been told.)

 

Thanks!

[Norphy]

You've been told correctly; One Windows 2012 Datacenter license allows for unlimited VMs on that physical host. You have to buy one Datacenter license for every two CPU sockets in your server.

 

There is no difference between Datacenter and Standard in terms of features, it doesn't matter which edition you install on the guests. In addition, if you are running Hyper-V 2012 R2, activation of the guests is automatic so long as the host is activated. As long as you're using media downloaded from the VLSC, it won't matter which edition you install on the guests.

Edited April 8, 2015 by Norphy

[tmcd35]

To follow on from @Norphy's excellent answer - if you are licensed for Datacenter then you can install any edition of any version of Windows server from 2003 up to the version equal to you Datacenter.

 

So...

 

Server 2008R2 Datacenter can install 2003 Standard/Enterprise, 2008 Standard/Enterprise/Datacenter, 2008R2 Standard/Enterprise/Datacenter - but nothing newer without additional licencing.

Server 2012R2 Datacenter can install any 2003/2008/2008R2/2012/2012R2 in Standard/Enterprice/Datacenter on the VM's.

 

It's extremely flexible, all you need is enough Datacenter licenses to cover your physical CPU's for the latest version of Windows you want to use in a VM.

[BJG]

(Great, thanks ppl.)

[ITGuyWestMidlands]

Dont forget each standard licence allows two hyper v guests. It can sometimes work out cheaper this way if you only have a few vms and then buy any additional standard licences you need

[mjs_mjs]

and you can also stack standard licenses - so if you need 4 VM's you can stack 2 standard licenses.

 

Source: Licensing Windows Server 2012 R2 This has all of the info above (from all of us) in and it's from MS!