At the end of 2016, Microsoft released the newest version of Microsoft Windows Server, Windows Server 2016. While we are happy and excited to have the latest and greatest new version available, it also means we must say goodbye to an older version. And that is exactly what we wanted to talk about today: End of Life (EOL) dates for Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2008 Downgrades.
In just a month, the following Windows Server 2012 R2 products will reach their End of Life (EOL):
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 products
- Windows Server 2012 R2 Foundation edition
- Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials edition
- Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard edition
- Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter edition
Products include Reseller Option Kit licenses, Factory Preinstalled licenses, and Factory (drop in the box) licenses
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Additional License products
- Windows Server 2012 Standard edition Additional Licenses
- Windows Server 2012 Datacenter edition Additional Licenses
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 RDS Client Access License (CAL) products
- Windows Server 2012 RDS User CALs
- Windows Server 2012 RDS Device CALs
HPE OEM part numbers for the above listed products have been set with the following EOL dates. HPE cannot distribute any of these products after the OBSOLETE date:
- EOL (End of Life): 9/30/2017
- DISCONTINUE: 10/31/2017
- OBSOLETE: 11/30/2017
This means that October 31, 2017 is the last day for HPE to ship any of these products. However, if the units have been distributed from HPE to a partner (e.g. a Distributor or Reseller), the partner may continue selling the inventory they own. If there is any obsolete product inventory on the HPE side, HPE must then return the product to Microsoft.
Windows Server 2008 R2 Downgrades that are provided through HPE’s Windows Server Media and Downgrades fulfillment website—https://ebiz3.mentormediacorp.com/HPEDGRCR/— will follow the same End of Life dates listed above. Downgrades to Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 will continue to be available for HPE customers from the factory at the time of the server purchase and as a post-sale option at the fulfillment website listed above. Downgrades are provided to customers based on Microsoft policy.
This is a great time to start talking to customers about their future plans with Windows Server 2016, HPE OEM licenses, Reseller Option Kit (ROK) licenses, and the benefits of pairing these licenses with HPE Servers!
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 is a scalable and adaptive operating system designed to support workloads of all sizes, provide enterprise level security for IT infrastructure, and enable cloud migration at the businesses own pace. By combining new layers of security with advanced features to improve productivity and efficiency, Windows Server 2016 delivers powerful innovations that enable customers to use their applications and infrastructure to transform their business and be ready for the cloud.
HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server 2016 licensing is a great option for customers who are ready to purchase Windows Server 2016. Not only are these licenses some of the simplest, most cost efficient licensing options for many small and midsize businesses, but they offer additional peace of mind as the server operating system (OS) and drivers are pre-tested and optimized for HPE Servers AND the OEM Windows Server 2016 licenses are supported by HPE. While HPE sells Microsoft Windows Server licenses in a number of ways, the HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server Reseller Option Kit (ROK) is one of our preferred licensing types. Through reseller partners, ROK delivers value pricing, flexible choices, one-stop ordering, and single source support to help businesses be more productive, achieve more with their investment, and keep everything running smoothly. When customers purchase a new HPE Servers, their Windows Server OS can be preinstalled by their trusted reseller (you) so the customer gets a solution that is entirely customized to their specific needs and immediately ready to use.
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Willa
Willa manages the HPE | Microsoft Coffee Coaching program. Follow along to learn more about the latest HPE OEM Microsoft product releases and how the HPE Microsoft partnership can benefit partners and customers.
