Dynamic Duo: HPE ProLiant Servers + Windows Server 2016- version overview

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In last week's blog, “Strong together: HPE ProLiant Gen10 Servers + Windows Server 2016” we covered HPE ProLiant Gen10 and Windows Server 2016 security and efficiency benefits and how this pairing can bring value to your customers (and you). In our next few blogs, we will take our pairing advice a step further and tell you about specific server pairings we recommend for each version of Windows Server 2016 (Essentials, Standard, and Datacenter).

Before we jump into our specific server recommendations for each version, we want to ensure you understand the 3 versions of Windows Server 2016 and which business scenarios they are best for. After all, when determining your customers ideal Windows Server OS/HPE ProLiant Gen10 Server pairing it is important to first understand the specifications for each version of Windows Server 2016.

This chart is helpful for quickly comparing/contrasting each version.

Windows Server 2016 Essentials
Windows Server 2016 Essentials is a cloud-connected first server ideal for SMBs with basic IT needs. It supports up to 25 users or 50 devices and does not require Client Access Licenses (CALs). Essentials offers one physical or one virtual instance and supports servers with one or two processors.  Windows Server 2016 Essentials is a good option for customers currently using the Foundation edition, which is not available with Windows Server 2016.

This version of Windows Server 2016 pairs well with the:
    - HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10
    - HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10
    - HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen10

 Learn more: Dynamic Duo: HPE ProLiant Servers + Windows Server 2016 Essentials

Windows Server 2016 Standard
For your SMB customers whose IT needs are growing, and those who require advanced features, support for distributed office locations, and a flexible way to virtualize their environment, Windows Server 2016 Standard is a great option. Standard includes the rights for two Operating System Environments (OSEs) or VMs and alternatively allows for two Hyper-V containers when all cores of the server are licensed. For every 2 additional VMs, all cores of the server must be licensed again. User of Windows Server Containers is unlimited and Windows Server 2016 Standard allows for unlimited user and device access with appropriate Client Access Licenses (CALs).

Our server recommendations for Windows Server 2016 Standard include the:
    - HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen10
    - HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen10
    - HPE ProLiant DL325 Gen10
    - HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10

 Learn more: Dynamic Duo: HPE ProLiant Servers + Windows Server 2016 Standard

Windows Server 2016 Datacenter
Last but not least, Windows Server 2016 Datacenter is an ideal choice for companies of all sizes that have demanding IT workloads and require advanced storage, virtualization, and application deployment. Datacenter is the most complete version of Windows Server 2016 and offers many features that are not available in Standard and Essentials such as such as Shielded Virtual Machines, Software-defined Networking, and Storage Spaces Direct, and unrestricted Storage Replica. In addition, Windows Server 2016 Datacenter provides rights to unlimited virtual OSEs or alternatively Hyper-V containers when all physical cores on a server are licensed.

Recommended HPE ProLiant Gen10 Server pairings include the
   - HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen10
   - HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10
   - HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10
   - HPE ProLiant DL325 Gen10
   - HPE ProLiant DL385 Gen10
   - HPE ProLiant DL560 Gen10

 Learn more: Dynamic Duo: HPE ProLiant Servers + Windows Server 2016 Datacenter

With the upcoming End of Support (EoS) for Windows Server 2008 now is a perfect time to check in with your customers, ask about their migration plans, and inform them of the advantages of migrating to Windows Server 2016 on HPE ProLiant Gen10 Servers. Learn more about Windows Server 2008 End of Support: hpe.com/partners/GoodbyeWindowsServer2008 

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