The option to license Windows Server by virtual machine was added in October 2022, and is available to customers with subscription licenses or licenses with active Software Assurance only.

Question

I’m struggling to identify which licenses options there are for our customers as “subscription licenses” for Windows Server. I am aware of some subscription based options, such as “DG7GMGF0D5RK:0003”, but thought it only eligible for Azure usage. Can you help me get some clarity on exactly how this new option can be used and licensed?

Answer 1

Its License Mobility.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/licensing-programs/software-assurance-license-mobility

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Answer 2

Hi Samantha Davenport,

Thank you for your post. This

With active SA or subscriptions on Windows Server, which also requires active SA or subscription for the Client Access Licenses (CALs), Microsoft will allow you to license Windows Server per VM. This new benefit can be used on-premises or within an Authorized Outsourcer’s shared hosting environment but does not include Listed Providers.

The requirements to take advantage of this new benefit include having active SA and following the licensing minimums, which should sound familiar. The required minimum entry point is 16 cores, meaning the initial two virtual machines require a minimum of eight cores per VM. Each additional VM licensed in this manner will adhere to the eight cores per VM minimum, and all cores must be licensed, including the base set of VMs.

Some information below may helpful about add virtual cores to windows server.

https://www.networkworld.com/article/3672115/microsoft-adds-virtual-cores-to-windows-server-licensing.html

Meanwhile, for Windows server subscriptions, it always included some products such as SQL server, RDS server and so on. So according to the official website information, we'd better ask related licensing question for CSP panther.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/partner-center/csp-software-subscriptions

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/partner-center/csp-software-subscriptions

Best Regards,

Carl

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Answer 3

Hi. Thank you for your question and reaching out. I’d be more than happy to help you with your query.

Windows Server is typically licensed through the use of volume licensing agreements, such as the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) or the Microsoft Server and Cloud Enrollment (SCE). These agreements provide organizations with the ability to license the software on an ongoing basis, typically with the ability to make changes to the licenses as needed.

Recently, Microsoft has introduced subscription-based licensing options for Windows Server, such as the Azure Hybrid Benefit (AHB) for Windows Server, which allows customers to use their existing on-premises Windows Server licenses to activate Windows Server instances running in Azure. This is an option to use on-premise licenses in Azure, and it can be activated by using the license key "DG7GMGF0D5RK:0003".

Another option is the Windows Server Subscription, which provides customers with the ability to license Windows Server on a subscription basis, rather than through a volume licensing agreement. This option is typically intended for small-to-medium-sized businesses or organizations that do not have a volume licensing agreement in place.

Finally, Microsoft also offers the Windows Server Datacenter edition on a per-core basis, this license allows customers to license Windows Server for use on-premises or in Azure. This option is usually intended for organizations that require more flexibility with their licensing, as it allows them to scale up or down as needed.

It's important to note that these subscription-based options are only available for Windows Server and not for other Microsoft products.

In summary, Windows Server can be licensed through volume licensing agreements, such as the Enterprise Agreement, Server and Cloud Enrollment, or through subscription-based options, such as the Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server or Windows Server Subscription. It's important to understand the terms of the license, and how it can be used, before making a decision on which option is best for your organization.

If the reply was helpful, please don’t forget to upvote or accept as answer, thank you.

Answer 4

Double post