Windows Server 2016 License question...
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Hi guys. Silly question perhaps, but if we have a Server 2012R2 windows license, if we wanted to get a new server with 2016 server, can I use the same license or buy a cheaper upgrade key?
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Did the Server 2012 R2 license come with the server (OEM license) or was it purchased via retail/VL? If OEM, you're going to need new software for new hardware. If purchased via retail/VL, then you can move those licenses to the new server without any additional costs.
There is no cheap upgrade key that I'm aware of. The only option for upgrades is Software Assurance which requires an annual payment. Outside of that, you're looking at paying full price for upgrades, as well as new CALs.
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@zachary715 said in Windows Server 2016 License question...:
Did the Server 2012 R2 license come with the server (OEM license) or was it purchased via retail/VL? If OEM, you're going to need new software for new hardware. If purchased via retail/VL, then you can move those licenses to the new server without any additional costs.
There is no cheap upgrade key that I'm aware of. The only option for upgrades is Software Assurance which requires an annual payment. Outside of that, you're looking at paying full price for upgrades, as well as new CALs.
I wouldn't call SA an annual payment - it's an option of course, but not a requirement. You can get 2 or 3 year terms for SA (not aware of any longer ones - but they might be there). Once you pick your contract length, you can pay all at once, or over time.
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@Dashrender said in Windows Server 2016 License question...:
@zachary715 said in Windows Server 2016 License question...:
Did the Server 2012 R2 license come with the server (OEM license) or was it purchased via retail/VL? If OEM, you're going to need new software for new hardware. If purchased via retail/VL, then you can move those licenses to the new server without any additional costs.
There is no cheap upgrade key that I'm aware of. The only option for upgrades is Software Assurance which requires an annual payment. Outside of that, you're looking at paying full price for upgrades, as well as new CALs.
I wouldn't call SA an annual payment - it's an option of course, but not a requirement. You can get 2 or 3 year terms for SA (not aware of any longer ones - but they might be there). Once you pick your contract length, you can pay all at once, or over time.
The simplest way to explain this without getting too in depth is that it's an annual payment. Yes you can spread that payment out over 2 or 3 years or pay lump sum for 3 years at a time, but the point remains.
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No cheap upgrades. Owning 2012 R2 doesn't get you any discounts on your 2016.
But it does entitle you to CentOS, Fedora, Suse, or Ubuntu for absolutely free!
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@scottalanmiller said in Windows Server 2016 License question...:
No cheap upgrades. Owning 2012 R2 doesn't get you any discounts on your 2016.
But it does entitle you to CentOS, Fedora, Suse, or Ubuntu for absolutely free!
so does not owning 2012 R2
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@Donahue said in Windows Server 2016 License question...:
@scottalanmiller said in Windows Server 2016 License question...:
No cheap upgrades. Owning 2012 R2 doesn't get you any discounts on your 2016.
But it does entitle you to CentOS, Fedora, Suse, or Ubuntu for absolutely free!
so does not owning 2012 R2
Twice the benefits then!
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if you need help with MS license options shoot me an email to [email protected] and I can help. Loads of experience.
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Thanks all
