What is ROK (HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server Reseller Option Kit)?

[Willa]

***Disclaimer: this article refers to Windows Server 2016 ROK licenses. We suggest you to click Understanding Windows Server 2019 Reseller Option Kit (ROK) licensing for HPE ProLiant Servers for more update information about the same topic.***

With the introduction of Microsoft® Windows Server 2016 and HPE Gen10 Servers, many businesses are looking to upgrade their server infrastructures. You probably already know that the Hewlett Packard Enterprise/ Microsoft partnership brings together the world's leading server hardware and software innovations, applications, resources, and support. But, did you know that HPE sells Microsoft OEM licenses in a number of ways? 

To ensure that customers purchase the right HPE ProLiant Servers with the right Microsoft Windows Server editions, the HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server Reseller Option Kit (ROK) was developed.

What is ROK?
ROK is a software distribution model designed for Value-Added Resellers who purchase IT solutions from distributors for the business customers they support. It offers proven reliability and performance at an affordable price, easy purchase and setup capabilities, and simplicity in system management tasks.

What does ROK include?
As a kit, ROK includes Windows Server software that:
- Is install ready and sold off the same server price lists as components such as RAM, hard drives, and processors
- Is designed and tested for HPE Servers, providing confidence in deploying a broad range of servers engineered and maximized to run Windows at its best
- Includes 90-day installation support from HPE

How is ROK different from other Windows Server operating system versions?
You are probably curious about how ROK differs from other versions of Microsoft Windows Server. Well, generally speaking, HPE ROK is the very same Windows Server operating system customers can purchase directly from Microsoft. However, through HPE’s OEM agreement with Microsoft, HPE is able to customize and optimize Windows Server specifically for HPE Servers and it is BIOS-locked to ensure it can only be installed on HPE Servers.

Where can I learn more about ROK?
Learn more about the HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server Reseller Option Kit, by visiting: www.hpe.com/info/ROK.
If you are a customer who would like to learn more about ROK, please contact your trusted HPE Reseller Partner.

Don't forget to join our Coffee Coaching communities on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube where you can interact directly with HPE and Microsoft experts, ask questions, and learn about the latest products and services.

NOTE: This blog is the first of a multi-blog series in which we will cover many different ROK topics including what ROK is, the different ROK license types available, and the reseller and customer benefits from ROK. So be sure to check back every week this month for a new ROK topic.

[BAVA SULAIMAN]

Sir

We need the downgrade Windows server 2019 STD ROK edition to Windows server STD 2016.

Is it possible.

[Willa]

Hello Bava, 

Yes. You can learn more about the simple downgrade process here: https://h41112.www4.hpe.com/wsdowngrade/DG_INFOGRAPHIC.pdf

To request downgrade media visit https://ebiz3.mentormediacorp.com/HPEDGRCR/Order_Creation.aspx#Order_Creation

[AmRa]

Can customer use ROK 2012 R2  to upgrade a windows  2008 R2 server

[MassimilianoG]

Hello AmRa,

The answer is no.

OEM licenses such as ROK are licensed for use on new servers when sold with new servers, they are not available as upgrade licenses sold stand-alone.

Thank you,
Massimiliano

[Georgiana]

If I have a MS Windows 2019 Standard ROK linked to an HPE server can I use it on the same server but as a virtual machine? 

[MassimilianoG]

@Georgiana

For more information about Windows Server 2019 please read and leave a comment on this article:

https://community.hpe.com/t5/Alliances/Understanding-Windows-Server-2019-Reseller-Option-Kit-ROK/ba-p/7101054#.Yi806HrMKUk

Thank you very much

Massimiliano

[Chrispin]

Can my Windows Server 2019 Standard ROK licence key work on a downloaded Windows Server 2019 Standard ISO?

[MassimilianoG]

@chrispin

By adding Software Assurance/SA to an OEM license the license is effectively converted to a Volume License and subject to VL rights & privileges.
For more details see: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/licensing-programs/software-assurance-default

Hope this help.

Thank you,
Massimiliano