Windows Server Datacenter License can cover Standard Edition?

Question

We have a vmware cluster say for example 4 ESXi hosts and 60 cores per host, we need to deploy say 30 windows server in that cluster, I understand the license will be based on the total cores of all 4 ESXi hosts is 4X60/2 = 120 packs, we will purchase one datacenter license for this clusters, think it will cover unlimited OSEs in this cluster, am I right?

My questions is do we have to install all 30 windows server as datacenter edition to fullfil the license above? Can we say install some standard edition and some datacenter editions in that cluster that still covererd by the datacenter license we purchased?

Answer 1

Hi StevenZS,

yes, you are correct that you would need to purchase one Datacenter license for the cluster, which would cover unlimited Operating System Environments (OSEs) on the licensed servers.

Regarding your question, you can install both Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server on the licensed servers and still be covered by the Datacenter license. The Datacenter license allows for unlimited virtualization rights for Windows Server on the licensed servers, regardless of the edition of Windows Server being used.

However, it's important to note that the features and capabilities of the Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server differ, so you should ensure that the edition you choose for each virtual machine meets your specific needs and requirements.

Hope it helps.

Best regards,

Lei

Answer 2

Thanks a lot Lei Tao, clearly answer.