It follows a core-based licensing model and requires CALs. It offers the ability to run two virtual machines, along with fully integrated services and direct access for users. Proving the happy medium between Essential and Datacenter, Standard Edition offers a solution that is similar in function to Datacenter but is closer to the cost of Essential, making it suitable for a medium-sized company. For this reason, it is best suited for smaller companies that have minimal anticipated growth over the next two to five years. Instead, the server has a cap limit on the number of users and devices that can access it.Ĭustomers can choose between using up to 25 named user accounts or installing Windows Server Essential on no more than 50 devices. It’s priced as such because Windows Server Essential is unique in that there is no need to buy additional users or device Client Access Licenses (CALs) after the initial purchase. The upfront cost for Windows Server Essential, which is significantly lower than the other models, is the majority of what you will have to pay for the server. Windows Server Essential follows a Speciality Server licensing model, meaning it is licensed per server.
Ideal for anyone anticipating eventual mobility into the cloud, this server has built-in integration with Office 365 hosted services. Types of Windows Servers Windows Server Essential