Understanding Windows Server 2019 Reseller Option Kit (ROK) licensing for HPE ProLiant Servers

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Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) need an operating system and servers that work together to provide a secure, efficient, and flexible foundation for success. That’s why we recommend pairing Windows Server 2019 with HPE ProLiant  servers. There are many different licensing options available for Windows Server 2019. One great option for running Windows Server 2019 on HPE ProLiant Servers is utilizing HPE Windows Server Reseller Option Kit (ROK) licensing, which gives customers a one-vendor solution for their server and OS.

HPE ROK is a software distribution model available to value-added resellers (VARs) who purchase IT solutions from HPE authorized distributors. VARs are then able to offer HPE ROK licenses to their customers along with new HPE servers, giving customers the value of an HPE OEM license along with any additional services and/or products they may offer.

It’s important to understand that HPE ROK licenses are the same Windows Server 2019 licenses that are available direct from Microsoft, but with several added benefits:

• Purchasing the server and OS together is often the most cost effective option for SMBs and less expensive than acquiring them separately
• HPE Windows Server 2019 ROK licenses include the OS and drivers that have been tested and certified specifically for HPE ProLiant servers
• Licenses are BIOS-locked to ensure they can only be installed on HPE servers
• HPE Rapid Setup (part of HPE Intelligent Provisioning) is embedded in HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers. It provides a simple, guided process for installing Windows Server 2019 that takes less time and reduces the chance for errors
• Customers who buy HPE ROK licenses for new HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers get free online or telephone set up support from HPE, good for 90 days from the date of purchase
• VARs can add server options, installation, and configuration services to ensure customers are getting the most suitable IT solution with the convenience of one-source shopping and support

There are three licensing options available. You can use this handy reference to decide on the right licensing for your customers’ needs.  

• Windows Server 2019 Essentials is ideal for SMBs with up to 25 users and 50 devices, using servers with up to two processors.
• Windows Server 2019 Standard is best for those requiring more advanced features, such as support for distributed office locations and virtualization.
• Windows Server 2019 Datacenter is designed for companies with demanding IT workloads that call for advanced storage, virtualization, and application deployment.
  
  

For more details on the licensing editions, you can visit the Ultimate Guide to Windows Server 2019 Licensing. And don’t forget that user, device, and Remote Desktop Service client access licenses (CALs) may be required. For more details on CALs, read Understanding Windows Server CALs.

The bottom line is authorized HPE partners can deliver Windows Server 2019 ROK licenses with value pricing, flexible choices, one-stop ordering, and single-source support to help customers achieve more with their HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers.