Buying the Right Version of Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials

When it comes to purchasing a server operating system, it's essential to choose the right version that meets your organization's needs. Microsoft offers various editions of its Windows Server product line, each with its own set of features and pricing. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the different versions of Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials and what you need to know before making a purchase.

Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials is a popular choice among small and medium-sized businesses due to its ease of use and robust feature set. However, it's important to note that there are two main editions of this product: Datacenter and Standard. The main difference between the two is the number of cores you can license.

The Datacenter edition is designed for large-scale deployments and offers unlimited virtualization rights. This means that you can run an unlimited number of virtual machines on a single physical server, making it an ideal choice for datacenters and cloud environments. On the other hand, the Standard edition is designed for smaller businesses and limits the number of virtual machines to 2.

When purchasing Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials, it's essential to understand the licensing requirements. Microsoft requires that you have a license for every user or device accessing a server, which can add up quickly. To make things more complicated, Windows Server transitioned from processor-based licensing to core-based licensing for Datacenter and Standard editions.

This means that you'll need to purchase licenses based on the number of cores in your server, rather than the number of processors. For example, if you have a server with 16 cores, you'll need to purchase at least 16 licenses. This change was made to provide a more consistent licensing experience across multi-cloud environments.

To avoid any issues with your purchase, it's essential to order from a reputable source. Microsoft recommends purchasing directly from their store or through an authorized reseller. Be wary of third-party sellers that may offer fake products and licenses, as this can cause serious problems for your business environment or even destroy your entire network system.

In conclusion, buying the right version of Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials requires careful consideration of your organization's needs and licensing requirements. By understanding the differences between Datacenter and Standard editions, you'll be able to make an informed decision and ensure that your server operating system meets your business needs.

Buy windows server 2012 r2 essentials