Hello Dev! If you are reading this article, you are probably looking for information on Windows Server 2019 cost. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the pricing and licensing options for the latest version of Microsoft’s popular server operating system. We will explore the different editions, features, and licensing models available, and break down the costs associated with each. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the factors that influence the price of Windows Server 2019, and be able to make an informed decision about which edition and licensing model is best for your needs.
Understanding Windows Server 2019 Editions
Before we dive into the cost of Windows Server 2019, it’s important to understand the different editions that are available. The latest version of the server operating system comes in three main editions: Standard, Datacenter, and Essentials.
Windows Server 2019 Standard Edition: This edition is designed for small to medium-sized businesses with limited virtualization environments. It supports up to two virtual machines and offers a range of features including storage migration, replication, and deduplication.
Windows Server 2019 Datacenter Edition: This edition is geared towards larger organizations with high virtualization needs. It supports an unlimited number of virtual machines and offers advanced features such as shielded virtual machines and software-defined networking.
Windows Server 2019 Essentials: This edition is designed for smaller businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. It does not support virtualization and has a limited set of features compared to the other two editions.
Features of Windows Server 2019 Editions
Each edition of Windows Server 2019 comes with a different set of features. Here’s a quick overview of the key features that are unique to each edition:
Edition |
Key Features |
|---|---|
Standard |
Storage Migration Service, System Insights, Shielded VMs, Storage Replica, Storage Spaces Direct |
Datacenter |
Storage Migration Service, System Insights, Shielded VMs, Storage Replica, Storage Spaces Direct, Software Defined Networking, Storage Class Memory |
Essentials |
Active Directory Federation Services, Remote Access, Storage Migration Service, System Insights |
As you can see, Windows Server 2019 Datacenter offers the most comprehensive set of features, followed by the Standard edition. Essentials has a more limited set of features, but is designed for smaller businesses that don’t require advanced virtualization or networking capabilities.
Understanding Windows Server 2019 Licensing
Now that you have a better understanding of the different editions of Windows Server 2019 and their features, let’s move on to licensing. Microsoft offers several different licensing options for Windows Server 2019, including:
- Per core licensing
- Processor licensing
- Virtual machine licensing
- Remote Desktop Services (RDS) client access licensing
The licensing option you choose will depend on several factors, including the number of physical processors or cores in your server, the number of virtual machines you plan to use, and the number of users who need access to your server via Remote Desktop Services.
Per Core Licensing
Per core licensing is the most popular licensing option for Windows Server 2019. With this model, you purchase a license for each core in your server. The cost of each license varies depending on the edition of Windows Server 2019 you choose. For example, the cost per core for Windows Server 2019 Standard is $968, while the cost per core for Datacenter is $4,016. This means that if you have a server with 8 cores and you want to use the Standard edition of Windows Server 2019, you would need to purchase 8 licenses at a cost of $7,744.
Processor Licensing
Processor licensing is an alternative licensing option for Windows Server 2019. With this model, you purchase a license for each processor in your server, rather than each core. This can be a more cost-effective option for servers with a small number of processors and a larger number of cores. The cost of each license varies depending on the edition of Windows Server 2019 you choose. For example, the cost per processor for Windows Server 2019 Standard is $972, while the cost per processor for Datacenter is $10,363.
Virtual Machine Licensing
Virtual machine licensing is a licensing option for organizations that need to run multiple virtual machines on a single server. With this model, you purchase a license for each virtual machine that you plan to run on your server. The cost of each license varies depending on the edition of Windows Server 2019 you choose. For example, the cost per virtual machine for Windows Server 2019 Standard is $972, while the cost per virtual machine for Datacenter is $6,155.
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) client access licensing
If you plan to use Remote Desktop Services to allow users to connect to your server, you will need to purchase RDS client access licensing. With this model, you purchase a license for each device or user that connects to your server via Remote Desktop Services. The cost of each license varies depending on the edition of Windows Server 2019 you choose. For example, the cost per device for Windows Server 2019 Standard is $166, while the cost per user is $229.
Factors that Influence Windows Server 2019 Cost
The cost of Windows Server 2019 can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the edition you choose, the licensing option you select, and the number of cores or processors in your server. Other factors that can influence the cost include:
- The number of virtual machines you plan to run
- The number of users who need access to your server
- The level of support and maintenance you require
- The hardware and software components you need to purchase in addition to the operating system
- The level of customization or configuration you need for your server environment
FAQs
1. Can I upgrade from Windows Server 2016 to Windows Server 2019?
Yes, you can upgrade from Windows Server 2016 to Windows Server 2019. However, you will need to purchase a new license for the new version of the operating system.
2. Can I use Windows Server 2019 Essentials for virtualization?
No, Windows Server 2019 Essentials does not support virtualization. If you need to run virtual machines on your server, you will need to choose either the Standard or Datacenter edition.
3. What is the difference between Windows Server 2019 Standard and Datacenter?
The main difference between Windows Server 2019 Standard and Datacenter is the number of virtual machines they support. Standard supports up to two virtual machines, while Datacenter supports an unlimited number of virtual machines. Datacenter also includes additional advanced features such as software-defined networking and storage class memory.
4. Can I use Windows Server 2019 for small businesses?
Yes, Windows Server 2019 offers an Essentials edition that is designed specifically for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. It has a more limited set of features compared to the Standard and Datacenter editions, but is more affordable and easier to manage.
5. How much does Windows Server 2019 cost?
The cost of Windows Server 2019 varies depending on the edition and licensing option you choose. Per core licensing for the Standard edition starts at $968 per core, while per core licensing for the Datacenter edition starts at $4,016 per core.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide has helped you understand the cost and licensing options for Windows Server 2019. While the price of this server operating system can vary depending on several factors, it’s important to choose the right edition and licensing option to meet your organization’s needs. Whether you are a small business with limited virtualization needs or a large enterprise with complex networking requirements, Windows Server 2019 has an edition and licensing option that is right for you.