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)

Fraud not flattery

By Nicola Upe

The subject of counterfeit products has been high on the channel news agenda recently in particular the issue of fake toner cartridges. Westcoast supplies vendor, KYOCERA recently revealed that they have seized fraudulent goods worth in excess €5m (£3.92m) since April. Worryingly, this points to a significant increase compared to 2015, when the firm seized more than 100,000 units, worth in excess of €10m throughout the whole year.

Windows Server 2016- Licensing Deep Dive

By Dave Jennings 

Following the introductory blog to Windows Server 2016, this post will go into a bit more depth on the licensing itself, with some real life examples explained.

Windows Server 2016 Datacenter and Standard are licensed on a core & CAL basis. There are 2 key requirements to bear in mind:

• There is a minimum licensing requirement of 8 cores per physical processor, 
• You must license 16 cores per host server. 

So instead of buying a single licence to cover a physical server, you now buy a quantity of the 2 core licence – depending how many cores the server has. As long as these minimums are met, it keeps Microsoft happy and the customer is licensed compliantly.

Blink and you'll miss this ultra thin laptop...

The first thing you’ll notice about the HP Spectre Pro 13 G1 (other than the long name), is how incredibly thin it is. In fact, at 1.04 cm it’s one of the slimmest around. With this observation in mind, it’s especially impressive to see what HP have managed to do with such a small amount of space for parts.

The Spectre Pro 13 is hiding a powerful 2.5 GHz i7 processor that turbo boosts to 3.1 GHz, which, along with the 8GB of RAM, means it can cope with the most intense workloads, such as design work or video editing. That’s not to say that business executives should pass this by; indeed, the ultra-portability of the laptop means that it invites the user to take it from meeting to meeting on a daily basis, especially with the 38 Wh Li-ion polymer battery powering the Spectre through a full working day.

Sound good? Find out it's other great features by reading the full article here.

Windows Server 2016 has arrived - Find out what's new

By Dave Jennings



The 1st of October saw the launch of Windows Server 2016, and one of the biggest changes in licensing for Microsoft’s server operating system. The new licensing model is unlike any other, so we will try to explain it and cover some of the common questions we are getting, while attempting to not overcomplicate it any more than Microsoft have already!

Our top takeaways from HPE GPC 2016

By Lee Prior

So the dust has settled on HPE Global Partner Conference 2016 in Boston and the great and the good of the HPE world have returned to their offices, the words of wisdom from the many speakers still ringing in their ears.

No doubt they’ll be reciting, “Hyper convergence” in their sleep over the next few weeks, such was the focus on the flexibility and agility the latest buzz word from HPE promises. With year-end fast approaching plans are afoot to re-position HPE messaging around the three core pillars they see as the future of their Hyper converged offering.

• Hybrid IT
• Software Defined…
• The Edge

7 reasons to join our Accelerate Programme

By Rebecca Richards

Selling cloud services? Want to accelerate your cloud sales? If so you need to be part of Westcoast’s Accelerate Programme. The programme is an arm of the Westcoast Nebula programme, and has been put in place by us to help you sell more cloud services. In the next few minutes I will explain to you why.