How to license Windows Server?
Understanding the New Windows Server Licensing Model: Per-VM Licensing
The ever-evolving landscape of IT infrastructure demands flexible and efficient licensing models. Microsoft has introduced a new Windows Server licensing model based on Per-VM (Per Virtual Machine) licensing to meet these demands. This model offers greater flexibility and cost efficiency for businesses leveraging virtualization. In this article, we’ll explore the essentials of this new licensing model, its benefits, and how to make the most of it.
What is Per-VM Licensing?
Traditionally, Windows Server licensing has been based on physical hardware, often requiring businesses to license each core or processor in their servers. The Per-VM licensing model shifts the focus to virtual machines, allowing organizations to license Windows Server on a per-virtual machine basis. This is particularly beneficial for organizations using hypervisors and running multiple virtual machines on theirservers.
Key Features of Per-VM Licensing
- Flexibility: License only the virtual machines you need, rather than the entire physical server. This is ideal for dynamic environments where virtual machines are frequently added, removed, or reconfigured.
- Cost Efficiency: Pay only for what you use. Per-VM licensing can be more cost-effective, especially for organizations with highly virtualized environments.
- Simplicity: Easier management and compliance tracking, as you only need to account for the virtual machines in use.
How Per-VM Licensing Works
With Per-VM licensing, each virtual machine running Windows Server must have its own license. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how this works:
- Determine the Number of VMs: Identify the number of virtual machines running Windows Server on your hypervisors.
- Purchase Licenses: Acquire the necessary number of licenses based on your VM count. Each VM requires a separate license.
- Assign Licenses: Allocate the purchased licenses to the respective virtual machines.
- Manage Licenses: Use tools like the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) to track and manage your licenses.
Benefits of Per-VM Licensing
- Scalability: Easily scale your licensing needs in line with your virtual machine deployments. No need to over-purchase for future growth.
- Predictable Costs: Licensing costs are more predictable and aligned with your actual usage, helping in budget planning.
- Optimized Resource Utilization: Focus on maximizing the efficiency of your virtual machines without worrying about the underlying hardware constraints.
Transitioning to Per-VM Licensing
For organizations currently using traditional core-based licensing, transitioning to Per-VM licensing involves a few steps:
- Assessment: Conduct an inventory of your current virtual machine deployments.
- Cost Analysis: Compare the costs of your existing licensing model with the Per-VM model to determine potential savings.
- Planning: Develop a transition plan that includes purchasing new licenses and decommissioning old ones.
- Implementation: Work with your IT team and possibly a Microsoft partner to implement the new licensing model smoothly.
Best Practices for Managing Per-VM Licenses
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance and optimize licensing usage.
- Use Licensing Tools: Utilize Microsoft’s licensing tools and dashboards for better visibility and management.
- Training: Ensure your IT staff is well-trained on the new licensing model to avoid compliance issues.
Conclusion
The new Windows Server Per-VM licensing model provides a flexible, cost-effective alternative to traditional core-based licensing. By aligning licensing costs with actual virtual machine usage, businesses can achieve better efficiency and predictability in their IT expenditures. As you transition to this new model, thorough planning and regular management will be key to maximizing its benefits.
For further information and support on transitioning to the Per-VM licensing model, contact our licensing specialists or visit the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center.
