Windows Server: The Support Available

By Phil Lamplugh

Windows Server 2016 has been out for a while now, so I thought it would be a good time go through all of the support that you can get from Westcoast.

First of all, one of key selling points of Westcoast overall is that we don’t use any sort of voicemail system here. Every time you call during our office hours (and sometimes outside of them), you’re guaranteed to speak to a human straight away.

3 reasons why you should consider the new Windows Server 2016

By the Microsoft Team

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 and is the perfect balance between traditional IT responsibilities and needs.

Take a look at the infographic below which explains 3 great reasons why you should consider the new Windows Server 2016.

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)

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.

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!