Are you considering purchasing Windows Server 2012 Enterprise but unsure if the price is worth it? This comprehensive guide will help you weigh the pros and cons of this powerful server operating system.
Windows Server 2012 Enterprise is a popular choice for businesses of all sizes due to its robust features and scalability. But with a potentially high price tag, it’s essential to understand what you’re paying for and whether it’s the right choice for your organization.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the features of Windows Server 2012 Enterprise, the advantages of upgrading, and alternatives to consider. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right version of Windows Server for your business needs.
Keep reading to discover whether Windows Server 2012 Enterprise is the right choice for your business and how it can help you achieve your goals.
What are the Features of Windows Server 2012 Enterprise?
If you are considering Windows Server 2012 Enterprise for your organization, it is essential to understand its features. With Windows Server 2012 Enterprise, you can have up to 640 processors and 4 terabytes of memory per server, making it an excellent choice for businesses with high-performance computing needs. Additionally, it comes with several features that are not available in the Standard edition, such as:
Failover Clustering: This feature allows you to create a highly available server environment, making sure that your organization’s applications and services remain available in case of server failure.
RemoteFX: This feature provides a rich graphics experience for Remote Desktop users, allowing them to access 3D applications and use multiple monitors.
Active Directory Federation Services: This feature allows your organization to provide single sign-on access to applications and systems that are located outside the company network, making it easier for users to access resources from anywhere and on any device.
These are just a few of the features that make Windows Server 2012 Enterprise an excellent choice for businesses that need a robust server environment. Keep reading to discover more about the advantages of upgrading to this version of Windows Server.
What are the Features of Windows Server 2012 Enterprise?
Scalability and Performance Enhancements
One of the most significant features of Windows Server 2012 Enterprise is its scalability and performance enhancements. With support for up to 640 logical processors and 4 terabytes of memory, this version of Windows Server is ideal for large-scale applications and virtualization workloads. It also includes performance improvements that enable faster file transfers and reduced network latency, thanks to its support for SMB 3.0 protocol.
Hyper-V is another feature that enhances the scalability of Windows Server 2012 Enterprise. This hypervisor-based virtualization technology allows users to create and manage virtual machines with ease, while also providing improved security and isolation for each virtual machine.
The Dynamic Access Control feature in Windows Server 2012 Enterprise provides a more secure and streamlined approach to managing access to data. It enables administrators to define centralized policies that determine who can access certain data and what they can do with it. This feature is particularly useful for organizations that need to comply with strict regulatory requirements or those that handle sensitive data.
What are the Advantages of Upgrading to Windows Server 2012 Enterprise?
Increased Efficiency: Windows Server 2012 Enterprise is designed to increase the efficiency of businesses through various features such as automation, virtualization, and cloud integration. It also offers better management of resources and provides a more stable environment for applications.
Better Security: With advanced security features, Windows Server 2012 Enterprise helps businesses protect their valuable data against cyber threats. It includes built-in firewalls, advanced authentication, and access control features that ensure only authorized personnel can access sensitive data.
Cost Savings: Upgrading to Windows Server 2012 Enterprise can help businesses save money in the long run by reducing hardware costs, increasing productivity, and improving overall system performance. The new features and capabilities can also help businesses streamline their operations and reduce downtime.
Improved Collaboration: Windows Server 2012 Enterprise offers a range of collaboration tools that enable businesses to work together more effectively. These tools include shared calendars, email, and file-sharing capabilities that allow teams to collaborate from anywhere in the world.
Windows Server 2012 Enterprise offers many advantages over its predecessors, including enhanced security and compliance features. These features ensure that your company’s data is protected from unauthorized access, theft, or corruption.
Secure Boot is a new feature that prevents unauthorized firmware, drivers, and operating systems from running on the server. This feature ensures that only approved software is installed, reducing the risk of security breaches.
Active Directory has been updated to include new security features, such as fine-grained password policies and Kerberos armoring, which encrypts the authentication process. Additionally, the Active Directory Administrative Center provides a centralized location for managing security and compliance policies across your organization.
BitLocker Drive Encryption is another security enhancement that protects your data at rest. This feature encrypts all data on the hard drives and prevents unauthorized access to the data. In addition, Windows Server 2012 Enterprise provides Dynamic Access Control, which enables administrators to define and enforce access policies based on user attributes and file properties.
Improved Virtualization Capabilities
Windows Server 2012 Enterprise comes with several enhancements that improve virtualization capabilities, making it easier to manage virtualized environments. One of the most significant improvements is the introduction of Storage Spaces, which allow for better use of storage resources by pooling together physical disks into storage pools that can be easily allocated to virtual machines.
Another feature that enhances virtualization is the Hyper-V Replica, which allows for replicating virtual machines to a secondary site for disaster recovery purposes. Hyper-V Replica supports asynchronous replication and allows for customization of replication frequency and data retention policies.
Windows Server 2012 Enterprise also includes live migration improvements, making it easier to move virtual machines between hosts without interrupting service. This is particularly useful for maintaining high availability of critical applications and services.
Increased Efficiency and Productivity
Streamlined Management: Windows Server 2012 Enterprise simplifies server administration with its intuitive user interface and new Server Manager, allowing for easier deployment, configuration, and management of servers.
Improved Remote Access: The remote desktop services in Windows Server 2012 Enterprise allow remote users to access virtual desktops, applications, and data securely from anywhere with an internet connection, increasing productivity and reducing the need for in-person meetings.
Better Storage Management: Windows Server 2012 Enterprise includes Storage Spaces, a feature that allows for easy and flexible storage management across multiple disks, improving storage efficiency and reducing the risk of data loss.
Overall, the increased efficiency and productivity that Windows Server 2012 Enterprise provides can lead to cost savings and improved performance for businesses of all sizes.
What are the Alternatives to Windows Server 2012 Enterprise?
Linux-based operating systems: Linux is a popular alternative to Windows Server, and it is free and open-source. Linux-based systems like Ubuntu, CentOS, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux are popular options for server applications.
Windows Server 2019: Windows Server 2019 is the latest version of Windows Server and includes many new features and improvements over Windows Server 2012 Enterprise. It is a good alternative for those who want to stay within the Windows ecosystem.
Cloud-based solutions: Cloud-based solutions like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform offer server infrastructure as a service. This can be a cost-effective alternative to running your own server infrastructure.
VMware ESXi: VMware ESXi is a type-1 hypervisor that allows you to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical server. It is a popular alternative to Windows Server for virtualization purposes.
FreeNAS: FreeNAS is a free and open-source operating system based on FreeBSD. It is designed to provide network-attached storage (NAS) services and can be used as a file server, media server, or backup server.
Ultimately, the choice of an alternative to Windows Server 2012 Enterprise will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Consider factors such as cost, performance, ease of use, and compatibility with existing infrastructure before making a decision.
Windows Server 2019
Enhanced Security: Windows Server 2019 provides numerous security features such as Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), Shielded VMs, and Host Guardian Service.
Improved Hybrid Capabilities: Windows Server 2019 offers a range of hybrid features that allow seamless integration with Azure services, including Azure Backup, Azure Site Recovery, and Azure File Sync.
Container Support: Windows Server 2019 includes improved support for containers, including Linux containers. It includes support for Kubernetes, Docker Swarm, and the new Windows Container technology.
Increased Performance: Windows Server 2019 provides a significant boost in performance compared to its predecessor, Windows Server 201This includes better support for virtualization, improved storage capabilities, and faster networking speeds.
Graphical User Interface: Unlike Windows Server 2012, which only offers a GUI-less Server Core version, Windows Server 2019 provides a full desktop experience with a GUI.
While Windows Server 2012 Enterprise is still a reliable and powerful server operating system, Windows Server 2019 provides numerous enhancements and features that make it a worthy alternative to consider. Whether you need enhanced security, improved hybrid capabilities, container support, increased performance, or a graphical user interface, Windows Server 2019 has you covered.
Linux Server
Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages of Linux servers is their flexibility. Unlike proprietary operating systems like Windows Server, Linux is open source and can be customized to meet specific needs.
Cost: Another advantage of Linux servers is their affordability. Most Linux distributions are free and come with a wide range of tools and applications that can be used to set up and manage a server.
Security: Linux is known for its strong security features. It is less vulnerable to malware and hacking attacks compared to other operating systems, partly because of its open-source nature that allows many developers to collaborate and ensure that vulnerabilities are identified and patched quickly.
Community Support: Because Linux is open source, there is a large community of developers who are constantly improving the system and providing support to users. This means that if you encounter any issues while using a Linux server, you can easily find help from the community.
Compatibility: Linux servers can be used with a wide range of hardware, from low-powered systems to high-end servers. Linux also supports a wide range of programming languages, making it a popular choice for developers.
Cloud-based Server Solutions
Cloud-based server solutions, such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, offer a range of advantages for businesses looking to move away from on-premise servers. With scalability being a key advantage, cloud solutions enable businesses to adjust their computing resources according to their needs, without having to invest in expensive hardware. Cost-effectiveness is another major advantage of cloud-based solutions, as businesses only need to pay for the resources they use, without having to pay for maintenance or upgrade costs.
Flexibility is another key advantage of cloud solutions, as businesses can choose from a range of services and deployment options, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS), depending on their specific requirements. Additionally, cloud solutions offer reliability, with many providers offering uptime guarantees and backup solutions to ensure that businesses can operate uninterrupted.
However, there are also some potential downsides to using cloud-based server solutions. One of the biggest concerns is security, as businesses may be placing their sensitive data on servers that are not under their direct control. Additionally, businesses may face compliance issues when it comes to regulatory requirements, as they may not have full control over the security measures implemented by cloud providers.
Where Can You Find the Best Deals for Windows Server 2012 Enterprise?
Online Retailers: You can find great deals on Windows Server 2012 Enterprise through online retailers such as Amazon, Newegg, and CDW.
Microsoft Partner Network: Microsoft has a network of authorized partners who sell their products, including Windows Server 2012 Enterprise. You can find a local partner through Microsoft’s website.
Second-Hand Marketplaces: You may be able to find used or refurbished copies of Windows Server 2012 Enterprise on marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist. However, be cautious when buying from these sources and ensure that the software is legitimate.
Discount Software Resellers: There are a number of online resellers who specialize in selling discounted software licenses, including for Windows Server 2012 Enterprise. Examples include SoftwareKing and SoftwareMedia.
Online Retailers
One of the best places to find deals for Windows Server 2012 Enterprise is through online retailers such as Amazon and Newegg. These retailers often offer competitive prices and may have special promotions or discounts available.
It is important to research and compare prices from multiple retailers to ensure you are getting the best deal. Additionally, be wary of third-party sellers on these platforms and make sure to read reviews before making a purchase.
Another benefit of shopping with online retailers is the convenience of shopping from home and having the product delivered directly to your doorstep.
Microsoft Resellers
Microsoft Partner Network: Microsoft’s official partner network offers various Windows Server licensing options and can help you find the right solution for your business.
CDW: CDW is a leading technology retailer that works with Microsoft to provide enterprise-level software solutions, including Windows Server licensing.
SHI International: SHI International is another Microsoft reseller that can provide licensing options for Windows Server 2012 Enterprise, as well as other Microsoft products.
Insight: Insight is a global technology solutions provider that offers licensing options for Windows Server and other Microsoft software.
Working with a Microsoft reseller can be a great way to get expert advice on the right licensing solution for your business, as well as access to special deals and discounts.
How to Choose the Right Version of Windows Server for Your Business?
Understand your business needs: Before choosing a version of Windows Server, you need to understand your business requirements. Consider factors such as the number of users, type of applications, and amount of data you need to manage.
Consider the licensing cost: Windows Server comes in different editions and licensing options. Choose the version that best suits your budget and offers the features you need. Some editions have additional costs for advanced features.
Choose the right edition: Windows Server editions are designed to meet different business needs. For example, the Essentials edition is suitable for small businesses, while the Datacenter edition is designed for enterprises with large-scale virtualization needs.
Get expert advice: If you are not sure which version of Windows Server is best for your business, consider getting advice from a certified Microsoft partner or consultant. They can help you evaluate your options and choose the right version that meets your business needs.
Assess Your Business Needs
Understand Your Workloads: Before choosing a Windows Server version, identify the workloads you want to run. For example, if you plan to run a web server, you may need a different version than if you plan to run a database server.
Consider Your Budget: Cost is a critical factor for many businesses. Compare the cost of different versions of Windows Server and determine which one best suits your budget.
Security Requirements: Your business may have specific security needs based on the industry or regulatory requirements. Choose a version of Windows Server that meets those requirements.
Scalability Needs: Consider how your business may grow in the future and choose a version of Windows Server that can accommodate that growth. Look for features like clustering, virtualization, and load balancing to ensure scalability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pricing options for Windows Server 2012 Enterprise?
The pricing for Windows Server 2012 Enterprise depends on several factors, such as the licensing model, the number of processors, and the number of users or devices. The two licensing options available are the Standard and Datacenter editions, with the latter offering unlimited virtualization rights.
Are there any discounts available for Windows Server 2012 Enterprise?
Microsoft occasionally offers discounts on Windows Server 2012 Enterprise licenses, especially for volume purchases or for customers with a Microsoft Software Assurance agreement. It’s worth checking with authorized Microsoft resellers or the Microsoft Store to see if any promotions or special pricing is currently available.
Can I upgrade from a previous version of Windows Server to Windows Server 2012 Enterprise?
Yes, it is possible to upgrade from earlier versions of Windows Server to Windows Server 2012 Enterprise. However, the process and pricing may vary depending on the version being upgraded from, and it’s important to ensure that the server hardware meets the system requirements for the new version.
What is the difference between Windows Server 2012 Enterprise and other editions?
Windows Server 2012 is available in several editions, including Standard, Datacenter, Essentials, and Foundation. Enterprise edition includes additional features such as virtualization rights, unlimited Windows Server instances in virtual machines, and more advanced storage capabilities.
Can I try Windows Server 2012 Enterprise before purchasing a license?
Yes, Microsoft offers a 180-day trial version of Windows Server 2012 Enterprise that can be downloaded from their website. This allows users to test the features and capabilities of the software before making a purchasing decision.
Where can I purchase a license for Windows Server 2012 Enterprise?
Windows Server 2012 Enterprise licenses can be purchased from Microsoft authorized resellers, the Microsoft Store, or through the Microsoft Volume Licensing program. It’s important to ensure that the license is obtained from a legitimate source to avoid potential issues with activation or compliance.