SPLA Update: Windows Server and System Centre 2016 moving to Core based licensing

By Imran Malik

Microsoft has changed the licensing model of Windows Server and System Centre from Processors to Cores on the 2016 versions – these were released on the 1st October 2016.

Here’s what you need to know

• The per core licence model replaces the processor licence model on the October SPUR
• Each physical processor needs a minimum of 8 core licences
• The price for 1 processor licence = price for 8 core licenses
• The media was available on VLSC from the 12th of October 2016 
• Both Windows Server Standard & Datacenter Editions provide support for unlimited Windows Server containers
• Windows Server Standard Edition requires all physical cores to be licensed in order to run one Windows Hyper-V container (or Virtual Machine)
• Windows Server Datacenter Edition requires all physical cores to be licensed in order to run unlimited Windows Hyper-V containers (or Virtual Machines)

What does this mean for you?

SPLA Partners that have already reported the processor licence for Windows Server R2 or earlier versions can still report this for the duration of their SPLA contract.

Partners who were not looking to upgrade to the Core model and wanted to continue using the current versions for another three years would have signed a new SPLA contract (with a start date on or before September 2016).

Unfortunately, partners cannot be granted any concessions for extension for the reasons to have additional months to use the Processor licensing model

To find out more on the changes you can register for the upcoming Intro to SPLA Webinar here.

To find out more about Windows Server 2016 you can register for our upcoming masterclass which is on the 15th of November, in Reading -  Register here.