Azure ARC extended security update

Question

Hi,

I have one query. Can anyone help me on this.

Suppose If i activate extended security update (ESU) license in azure arc with 8 physical cores for data center edition. Then i add two vms one with 4 core and one with 8 core. In this case which VM will be getting ESU.

Answer 1

Hi Siva,

The VM with 8 cores will be eligible for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) in the given scenario.

Here's a breakdown of why:

• Azure Arc ESU Licensing with Physical Cores (pCores): When you activate an ESU license in Azure Arc based on physical cores, the license covers the entire server's physical cores regardless of the number of VMs running on it. In this case, your ESU license covers 8 physical cores.
• Datacenter Edition: The Datacenter edition of Windows Server allows you to run unlimited virtual machines (VMs) on the server.

Since you have an 8-core ESU license and a VM with 8 cores, that VM consumes the entire license and is eligible for ESUs. The 4-core VM cannot utilize the ESU because the license has already been fulfilled by the 8-core VM.

Additional Considerations:

• Minimum Licensing Requirements: It's important to note that there's no minimum core requirement per VM for ESU licensing with pCores. However, you'll need to ensure you have sufficient ESU licenses to cover your server's physical cores.
• vCore Licensing Alternative: Azure Arc also offers that option if you prefer to license based on virtual cores (vCores). With vCore licensing, there is a minimum requirement of 8 vCores per VM.

Reference:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-arc/servers/license-extended-security-updates

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