Windows Server 2019 Standard vs. Windows Server 2019 Datacenter

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Customers purchasing Windows Server 2019 OEM licenses from HPE with their new HPE ProLiant Gen10 Servers may have some questions about which version of Windows Server 2019 is best for them… should they choose Windows Server 2019 Standard or Windows Server 2019 Datacenter?

Today we will review some key features and specifications of Windows Server 2019 Standard and Windows Server 2019 Datacenter and which HPE ProLiant servers pair well with each to fill specific IT requirements that different organizations may have.

Let's start with small and medium sized businesses (SMBs). For SMBs with growing IT needs who require advanced features, support for remote offices, and a flexible way to virtualize their environment, Windows Server 2019 Standard may be an ideal fit. These customers may consider pairing servers such as the HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen10, HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen10, HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10, or HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 with this version of Windows Server 2019.

Windows Server 2019 Standard provides rights for up to two Virtual Machines (VMs) or two Hyper-V containers, and the use of unlimited Windows Server containers when all server cores are licensed. Note: For every 2 additional VMs required, all cores in the server must be licensed again. Windows Server 2019 Standard utilizes Client Access Licenses (CALs) and allows for unlimited user and device access with appropriate CALs (every user/device must have a CAL to access the server software).

You may have heard that Storage Replica is now available in Windows Server 2019 Standard and Windows Server 2019 Datacenter. Storage Replica in Windows Server 2019 Standard is limited to one partnership with one Replication Group and a single 2TB volume. So if your customers have a single volume of data to be replicated, Windows Server 2019 Standard is a good option. However, if your customer has more than just a single volume of data to be replicated, Windows Server 2019 Datacenter may be a better fit.

Windows Server 2019 Datacenter is a good option for customers that have more demanding IT workloads, require advanced storage, virtualization, and application deployment. Windows Server 2019 Datacenter is the most complete version of Windows Server 2019 offering many unique product features not available with Windows Server 2019 Standard such as Shielded Virtual Machines, Software-Defined Networking, and Storage Spaces Direct. In addition, Windows Server 2019 Datacenter allows unlimited VMs or Hyper-V containers. So customers with high virtualization needs can greatly benefit from Windows Server 2019 Datacenter. Customers who could benefit from Windows Server 2019 Datacenter may be considering servers such as the HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen10, HPE ProLiant DL300 Gen10 series, or the HPE ProLiant DL500 Gen10 series.  

Don't forget, Microsoft has announced Windows Server 2008 End of Support (EoS) will be January 14, 2020, and many of your customers will need to migrate to a new operating system before the EoS date! This is a great reason to reach out to customers, inquire about their current server infrastructure and their migration plans, and explain how pairing Windows Server 2019 OEM licensing from HPE with HPE ProLiant Gen10 Servers can provide them with a winning combination to help them transform their IT and keep up with modern demands.

Want to learn more about Windows Server 2019 OEM licensing from HPE? Visit hpe.com/servers/WS2019 and be sure to check out our Windows Server 2019 Coffee Coaching playlist on YouTube!