Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Version of Windows Server 2019! When it comes to choosing the right version of Windows Server 2019, it can be overwhelming to navigate the different options and features available. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Whether you’re new to Windows Server or an experienced user, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the different versions available, the features they offer, and how to choose the right one for your organization. We’ll also take a look at licensing and pricing considerations so that you can make the most cost-effective choice.
So, if you’re ready to make an informed decision and choose the right version of Windows Server 2019 for your needs, keep reading!
Understand the Different Versions of Windows Server 2019
If you’re planning to implement Windows Server 2019 in your organization, it’s important to understand the different versions available. There are three main editions: Standard, Datacenter, and Essentials. The Standard and Datacenter editions are similar in many ways, but there are some key differences to keep in mind.
The Standard edition is designed for smaller organizations that do not require unlimited virtual instances or advanced features. It supports up to 64 physical processors and 2 virtual instances, making it a good choice for businesses with low to moderate virtualization needs.
The Datacenter edition, on the other hand, is designed for organizations that require unlimited virtual instances and advanced features. It supports up to 64 physical processors and unlimited virtual instances, making it a good choice for businesses with high virtualization needs.
The Essentials edition is designed for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. It provides a simplified interface and pre-configured connectivity to cloud-based services such as Office 365 and Azure. However, it has some limitations, such as support for only one physical processor.
Understanding the differences between these versions is important for choosing the right one for your organization. Keep reading to learn more about the factors to consider when making your decision.
Differences between Standard and Datacenter Editions
Windows Server 2019 comes in two editions, Standard and Datacenter, with some notable differences between them. While both editions offer similar features and functionality, the Datacenter edition provides a few additional features and scalability options compared to the Standard edition.
| Standard | Datacenter | |
|---|---|---|
| Virtualization | Limited to two virtual machines | Unlimited virtual machines |
| Storage Replica | Not available | Available |
| Shielded Virtual Machines | Not available | Available |
| Software-defined networking (SDN) | Not available | Available |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| License requirements | Each server requires a separate license | License covers two physical processors per server, with a minimum of 16 core licenses required per server |
The Standard edition is suitable for small and medium-sized organizations that require basic server functionality, while the Datacenter edition is ideal for large organizations that need to manage high volumes of data and require more advanced features. Additionally, the Datacenter edition provides greater flexibility in terms of virtualization and licensing requirements, which may be a deciding factor for some organizations.
It’s important to carefully consider the differences between the Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2019 before making a decision, as choosing the wrong edition can lead to compatibility issues and higher costs in the long run.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Version of Windows Server 2019
Licensing Costs: One of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right version of Windows Server 2019 is the licensing cost. The Standard edition is more affordable compared to the Datacenter edition, which is more expensive but has more features.
Hardware Requirements: Hardware requirements also play a crucial role in choosing the right version of Windows Server 201The Datacenter edition requires more powerful hardware compared to the Standard edition because of its advanced features.
Virtualization Needs: If you plan to use virtualization, you should consider the Datacenter edition as it provides an unlimited number of virtual machines, while the Standard edition only supports up to two virtual machines.
Business Needs: Another important factor is your business needs. If your organization has large-scale virtualization, high-availability needs, or requires more advanced security features, then Datacenter edition might be the right choice for you.
Future Plans: Finally, you should consider your future plans. If you are planning to scale up your IT infrastructure in the future, it might be more cost-effective to choose the Datacenter edition to avoid additional licensing costs in the long run.
Hardware Requirements and Compatibility
Processor architecture: Before you choose a version of Windows Server 2019, ensure that the version you select is compatible with your server hardware. The processor architecture should be compatible with the server hardware on which you want to install the OS.
Minimum hardware requirements: Windows Server 2019 has specific hardware requirements, and it is important to ensure that your server meets the minimum hardware requirements. The minimum hardware requirements include a 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor, 512 MB of RAM, and 32 GB of storage.
Virtualization: If you plan to run virtual machines on your server, you should consider the virtualization capabilities of the different versions of Windows Server 201For example, the Datacenter edition offers unlimited virtualization rights, while the Standard edition allows for only two virtual instances.
Application Workload and Virtualization Needs
Types of Workloads: The type of workload your server will be running is a critical factor in deciding which version of Windows Server 2019 to choose. For instance, if your server will be running high-performance computing (HPC) workloads, then the Datacenter Edition would be a better fit as it offers improved performance capabilities and support for larger scale workloads.
Virtualization Needs: If you plan to use your server for virtualization purposes, then both Standard and Datacenter editions provide support for Hyper-V virtualization technology. However, the Datacenter Edition offers more advanced features like Shielded Virtual Machines and Software-defined Networking that may be necessary for larger scale virtualization deployments.
Containerization: If you plan to use containerization technologies like Docker or Kubernetes, then both editions support Windows Server containers. However, the Datacenter Edition also offers support for Hyper-V containers which provides better isolation and security for containerized workloads.
Remote Desktop Services: If you plan to use your server to provide remote desktop services, then you will need to choose the Datacenter Edition as it provides support for Remote Desktop Services (RDS) and the ability to run multiple concurrent remote desktop sessions.
Licensing Costs: It’s important to note that licensing costs for both editions can vary depending on the number of cores and servers being used. So, it’s important to carefully evaluate your needs and usage requirements to determine the most cost-effective licensing option.
How to Choose Between Standard and Datacenter Editions
Consider Your Budget: Your budget is an essential factor to consider when choosing between the Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 201The Datacenter edition is more expensive, but it offers unlimited virtualization rights, making it a more cost-effective option for larger organizations.
Assess Your Virtualization Needs: If your organization has a high demand for virtualization, the Datacenter edition may be the best option, as it provides unlimited virtualization rights. However, if your organization has minimal virtualization needs, the Standard edition may be a better choice.
Evaluate Your Feature Needs: The Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2019 have different features. Evaluate your organization’s needs and compare them to the features provided by each edition. This will help you determine which edition is the best fit for your organization.
Scalability and Virtualization Features in Datacenter Edition
Datacenter Edition offers advanced virtualization features that allow for a highly scalable and dynamic infrastructure. This edition supports unlimited virtual machines and Hyper-V containers, making it ideal for datacenters with large-scale virtualization needs.
Another key feature of Datacenter Edition is Software-Defined Networking (SDN), which provides a flexible and cost-effective solution for managing network infrastructure. With SDN, administrators can automate network tasks and manage virtual networks with ease, reducing the need for manual configuration.
Datacenter Edition also includes Storage Spaces Direct, which enables the creation of highly available and scalable storage systems using local storage devices. This feature is particularly useful for organizations with high storage requirements that need a cost-effective and easy-to-manage storage solution.
Licensing and Pricing Considerations
When it comes to licensing and pricing, there are some important factors to consider when choosing between the Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2019.
Licensing: Both editions require a minimum of 16 core licenses to run, with additional licenses required for every two cores beyond that. However, the Datacenter edition allows for unlimited virtual instances on a single physical server, while the Standard edition only allows for two virtual instances.
Pricing: The Datacenter edition is significantly more expensive than the Standard edition, but it may be worth the investment if you need the additional virtualization capabilities and scalability features. Keep in mind that pricing can vary depending on factors such as volume licensing agreements and promotions.
ROI: Consider the return on investment (ROI) of each edition based on your organization’s needs and budget. If you require advanced virtualization capabilities and plan to run many virtual instances, the Datacenter edition may provide a greater ROI in the long term. However, if you only need basic server functionality and can work within the limitations of the Standard edition, it may be the more cost-effective option.
Which Features Are Included in Each Version of Windows Server 2019?
Storage Spaces Direct: This feature allows you to create a highly available storage system by using local storage. It’s available in both Standard and Datacenter editions.
Shielded Virtual Machines: This feature protects virtual machines from unauthorized access and tampering. It’s only available in the Datacenter edition.
Storage Replica: This feature allows you to replicate storage volumes between servers for disaster recovery. It’s available in both Standard and Datacenter editions.
Software-defined networking: This feature allows you to manage your network infrastructure more efficiently by virtualizing network components. It’s available in both Standard and Datacenter editions.
Cluster sets: This feature allows you to create and manage clusters of hyper-converged servers at scale. It’s only available in the Datacenter edition.
Storage Migration Service: Both Standard and Datacenter editions support this feature that allows you to migrate servers and data without reconfiguring applications or users.
Shielded Virtual Machines: Only Datacenter edition provides this feature that helps protect your VMs from compromised or malicious administrators.
Software-defined Networking (SDN): Both editions support SDN, which enables you to manage network services more efficiently and programmatically.
Storage Spaces Direct: This feature is supported by both editions, but Datacenter edition provides advanced features such as Storage Replica and Storage QoS.
These are just a few examples of the feature differences between the Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 201It’s important to carefully consider your specific needs and requirements before deciding which edition to choose.
Top Considerations for Licensing and Pricing of Windows Server 2019
Licensing models: Windows Server 2019 offers two primary licensing models: Core-based and CAL-based. The Core-based licensing model requires licensing of all physical cores in a server while the CAL-based model requires a separate client access license for each user or device accessing the server.
Pricing: The pricing of Windows Server 2019 varies depending on the edition and licensing model chosen. Datacenter edition, which offers more features, is typically more expensive than Standard edition. Additionally, CAL-based licensing may be more cost-effective for organizations with a smaller number of users or devices.
Virtualization: Virtualization rights are included with both Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 201However, the number of virtual machines (VMs) allowed per license differs between the two editions, with Datacenter allowing for unlimited VMs and Standard allowing for up to two VMs per license.
Upgrade paths: It’s important to consider the upgrade path when choosing a version of Windows Server 201Upgrading from an older version of Windows Server to Datacenter edition may be more expensive due to the higher licensing costs, while upgrading to Standard edition may be more cost-effective.
Costs of Licensing Windows Server 2019
When it comes to licensing Windows Server 2019, there are several factors that can impact the cost. These include the edition, the number of licenses required, and the licensing model chosen, such as per-core or per-user. It is important to carefully evaluate these factors to determine the best licensing option for your organization.
Edition: Windows Server 2019 is available in two editions: Standard and Datacenter. The Datacenter edition is more expensive than the Standard edition due to its additional features and capabilities.
Number of licenses: The cost of licensing Windows Server 2019 is dependent on the number of licenses required. Microsoft offers several licensing options, including volume licensing, which can provide discounts for organizations purchasing multiple licenses.
Licensing model: Microsoft offers two licensing models for Windows Server 2019: per-core and per-user. The per-core licensing model is based on the number of processor cores in the server, while the per-user licensing model is based on the number of users accessing the server.
It is essential to carefully evaluate your organization’s licensing needs and compare the costs and benefits of different licensing options before making a decision. Microsoft provides several resources to help organizations determine the best licensing option for their needs.
Licensing Models for Windows Server 2019
The licensing model you choose for Windows Server 2019 depends on several factors. One of the primary factors is how many instances of the operating system you need to run. There are two main licensing models for Windows Server 2019:
- Per Core Licensing: This licensing model requires you to purchase a license for each core in your processor. This model is best suited for servers with a high number of cores.
- Server and CAL Licensing: This licensing model requires you to purchase a license for each server and a separate license for each user or device that accesses the server. This model is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses with a lower number of users and devices.
It is important to carefully consider your organization’s needs and usage patterns to determine which licensing model is most cost-effective. Microsoft offers a license calculator tool to help you estimate costs based on your specific needs.
In addition to the licensing models, Windows Server 2019 also offers various editions, each with different features and capabilities. Understanding the licensing models and edition options can help you make an informed decision when it comes to licensing and pricing for Windows Server 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2019?
The Standard edition has limited virtualization rights and no software-defined networking features, while the Datacenter edition provides unlimited virtualization rights and advanced software-defined networking features.
How can I determine which edition of Windows Server 2019 is best for my organization?
You should consider factors such as your organization’s size, the number of virtual machines you plan to use, and whether you need advanced software-defined networking features. Consulting with a Microsoft licensing specialist can also be helpful.
What are the licensing options for Windows Server 2019?
The licensing options for Windows Server 2019 include the Core-based licensing model and the Server + CAL licensing model. The Core-based model requires a license for each core on the server, while the Server + CAL model requires a license for each server and each user or device accessing it.
What is the difference between the Core-based and Server + CAL licensing models?
The Core-based model is based on the number of processor cores on the server, while the Server + CAL model is based on the number of servers and users or devices accessing them. The Core-based model is generally more cost-effective for servers with many cores, while the Server + CAL model is more cost-effective for servers with few cores and many users or devices.
How can I calculate the licensing costs for Windows Server 2019?
You can calculate the licensing costs for Windows Server 2019 by determining the number of processor cores on your servers and selecting the appropriate licensing model. Microsoft also provides licensing calculators on its website to assist with this process.
What are the support options available for Windows Server 2019?
Microsoft offers several support options for Windows Server 2019, including 24/7 phone and online support, on-site support, and premium support plans. Customers can also access online resources such as knowledge bases, forums, and documentation.