ROK your customers' server solutions with Windows Server: 4 simple steps for selling HPE ROK

[Willa]

Selling HPE OEM Windows Server Reseller Option Kit licensing with new HPE Servers can provide your customers, and you, with many benefits. Adding an HPE Windows Server^® Reseller Option Kit (ROK) license to every HPE ProLiant server sale increases your deal size and gives your customers a one-vendor solution with the peace of mind of an operating system (OS) that’s been tested and prequalified specifically for HPE ProLiant servers.

 Even better, selling HPE Windows Server ROK with a new HPE ProLiant server is a simple four-step process.

How to sell ROK in 4 simple steps

Step one: Match your customer’s business requirements to an HPE ProLiant rack or tower server

Based on your customers workload requirements and budget, help them pick just the right server. For example, the HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus is a great entry-level option for small and home offices with limited space for IT equipment. On the other end of the spectrum, customers running multiple workloads will find the HPE ProLiant DL380 Server is an excellent match. For a complete picture of the various options, refer to the HPE ProLiant Rack and Tower family guide.

Step two: Identify the right HPE Windows Server ROK license

There are three editions of Windows Server 2019 available to fit your customers’ needs:

• Windows Server 2019 Essentials is ideal for SMBs with basic IT needs. This edition allows for up to 25 users and 50 devices, requires no client access licenses (CALs), and is only for servers with up to two processors.

• Windows Server 2019 Standard is best for growing SMBs who require advanced features, support for distributed office locations, and a flexible way to virtualize their environment.

• Windows Server 2019 Datacenter is designed for companies of all sizes that have demanding IT workloads and require advanced storage, virtualization, and application deployment.

 For more details on the types of licensing available, visit the Ultimate Guide to Windows Server 2019 Licensing.

Step three: Add Client Access Licenses (CALs)

A user or device CAL is required for every user or device accessing Windows Server. A Remote Desktop Service CAL is also required for users of the Remote Desktop Protocol capability in Windows Server.  Understanding Windows Server Client Access Licenses (CALs)  gives more details. 

Step four: Ensure all processor cores are licensed

The core-based licensing model was first introduced by Microsoft in Windows Server 2016 and continues with Windows Server 2019 Standard and Windows Server 2019 Datacenter. In a nutshell, all physical cores of a server must be licensed. Each server requires a base license, which covers 16 cores. Additional licenses are required for servers with more than 16 cores. For virtual machines (VMs), Windows Server 2019 Standard provides rights for up to two VMs when all physical cores in the server are licensed. For every two additional VMs, all the cores in the server must be licensed again. Windows Server 2019 Datacenter provides rights for unlimited VMs. You can use HPE's Windows Server Core Licensing Calculator to determine how the licensing requirements for specific server setups. 

Simple right? Have questions about any of these steps? Let us know how we can help you get out and sell HPE Windows Server ROK licensing! Be sure to check out our Windows Server 2019 + HPE ProLiant Gen10 playlist for more quick videos on tons topics.