Microsoft reveals Windows 2012 Editions and Licensing

Microsoft has published an overview on Windows 2012′s Editions and Licensing

Microsoft Windows Server 2012

If you take a look at the different editions you will find two “main” editions, Standard and Datacenter. The main different lays in the virtualization rights. Where the Standard edition covers two virtual instances and unlimited for Datacenter. The VMs are entitled to run on up to two processors for both editions.

Check out the FAQ for Windows Server 2012 here

Editions Overview

 

Edition Ideal for… High Level Feature
Comparison
Licensing Model Pricing
Open NL (US$)
Datacenter Highly virtualized
private & hybrid
cloud environments
Full Windows
Server functionality
with unlimited
virtual instances
Processor + CAL* $4,809**
Standard Low density or non-
virtualized
environments
Full Windows
Server functionality
with two virtual
instances
Processor + CAL* $882**
Essentials Small business
environments
Simpler interface,
pre-configured
connectivity to
cloud based services; no
virtualization rights
Server (25 User
Account Limit)
$425**
Foundation Economical general
purpose server
General purpose
server functionality
with no
virtualization rights
Server (15 User
Account Limit)
OEM Only