HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server Licensing Myths Exposed!

[Willa]

With so many different licensing options for Microsoft Windows Server 2016, we understand it is easy to get confused about what is and what is not included with HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server licenses. Which licensing types include virtualization? Are downgrades an option? But, I need Software Assurance (SA)… we've heard all of these and more when referencing HPE OEM Microsoft licenses, and we're sure you have heard similar questions/concerns from your clients. 

Today, we are here to set the facts straight on the most popular HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server myths!

Myth #1: You cannot do virtualization with HPE OEM Windows Server licenses
- Fact: FALSE! HPE OEM Windows Server licenses have ALL the features and capabilities of Windows Server including virtualization support.

Myth #2: Because HPE OEM Windows Server licenses are tied to the hardware, Virtual Machines (VMs) cannot be moved between servers
- Fact: FALSE! While HPE OEM Windows Server licenses are generally tied to the hardware, VMs can be moved to other properly licensed servers.

Myth #3: HPE OEM Windows Server licenses never come with reassignment rights
- Fact: FALSE! The new HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Standard Additional license can be reassigned to another server with a Standard Base license. In addition, HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Datacenter with Reassignment licenses also include reassignment rights.

Myth #4: HPE OEM Windows Server licenses don't come with downgrade rights
- Fact: FALSE! A customer can downgrade an HPE OEM Windows Server license to an earlier version. 

Myth #5: Software Assurance (SA) is not available with HPE OEM Windows Server licenses
- Fact: FALSE! A reseller or customer can attach SA to an HPE OEM Windows Server license within 90 days of purchase. SA is only available for the latest version of Microsoft products.

Myth #6: HPE OEM Windows Server licenses are expensive, confusing, and only ideal for large Enterprise businesses
- Fact: FALSE! HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server licenses are the simplest, most cost-effective license for many small and midsize businesses. With different editions of HPE OEM Windows Server 2016 (Essentials edition, Standard edition, and Datacenter edition) there is something for businesses of ALL sizes including SMBs.

Myth #7: There are no benefits of purchasing HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server licenses with HPE Servers.
- Fact: FALSE! In addition to the benefits previously listed, HPE OEM Windows Server operating systems and drivers are pre-tested and optimized for HPE servers, and it is ALL (server software AND server hardware) supported by HPE. HPE gives your customers a one-stop-shop for their servers, server operating systems, CALs, and support.

Want to learn more about HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server 2016?
Check out : http://www.hpe.com/servers/ws2016
Want to learn more about HPE Servers to pair with Windows Server 2016?
Check out: http://www.hpe.com/servers

Have questions about servers and/or server operating systems for SMBs?
Read more of our Coffee Coaching blogs: hpe.com/blog/CoffeeCoaching, then join the Coffee Coaching communities on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook and drop us a note or send us an email at coffeeco@hpe.com. We’d love to hear from you!