Windows Server 2019 Datacenter licensing for VMware - SA necessary?

Arunkumar T 1 Reputation point
2021-06-21T09:03:08.253+00:00

Couple of ESXi running in the environment. Having Windows DC edition licenses. Do we need to by SA for ESXi Servers

Windows for business | Windows Server | User experience | Other
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  1. Anonymous
    2021-06-21T12:43:07.697+00:00

    Software assurance? No, it is not a requirement.
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/licensing-programs/software-assurance-default

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

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  2. Jenny Feng 14,246 Reputation points
    2021-06-22T01:49:46.127+00:00

    @Arunkumar T
    Hi,
    I don't think you need it.
    Windows Server Datacenter edition will allow you to run as many VMs on an ESXi server as you like.
    If you buy Windows Server Datacenter, you will be licensed to run as many Windows Server VMs as you want on the host, without needing to buy any more OS licenses from Microsoft as you add Windows Server VMs.

    Also, if you need a definite answer you'd better contact your reseller or a trained Microsoft licensing specialist regarding your licensing questions.

    Please contact the Microsoft Activation Center.

    Hope above information can help you.

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-06-25T12:26:14.86+00:00

    Just checking if there's any progress or updates?

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

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  4. Arunkumar T 1 Reputation point
    2021-06-28T08:17:31.877+00:00

    Dear ALL,

    Thanks for your earlier answers. I had more clarification to understand further SA requirement as below

    In VMWare Cluster environment if mixed with Windows 2012/Windows 2016/Windows 2019, while buying licenses of Windows 2019 Data Centre edition for all ESX servers, is it mandatory to get SA together

    Please share your suggestions

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-06-28T13:11:03.81+00:00

    That may make some sense since you couldn't use AVMA product keys. Something here may help.
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/licensing-programs/software-assurance-learn-more

    or also ask your reseller's trained licensing specialist about this.

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

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