A datacenter is a large-scale data storage and processing facility that can support the needs of multiple organizations, and Windows Server Datacenter is a version of the operating system designed specifically for these environments.
The main advantage of implementing Windows Server Datacenter is its ability to provide a reliable and easily scalable infrastructure, capable of supporting a significant number of users and devices without any disruptions or slowdowns. These facilities often have high-capacity servers, storage systems, and networking equipment that are used to host websites, applications, and other digital services. Included with Windows Server Datacenter are a variety of tools that help businesses manage and protect their datacenter environments.
These include: Virtualization: With Windows Server Datacenter, you can use Hyper-V to create and manage virtual machines (VMs) within your datacenter. By running multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical server, businesses can save on hardware costs and improve resource utilization with virtualization. To help businesses more effectively manage their data, Windows Server Datacenter includes several storage features. To save on storage space, businesses can also use the Data Deduplication feature included with Windows Server Datacenter.
To help businesses secure their datacenters, Windows Server Datacenter includes several security features. Examples of these security features include BitLocker, which encrypts data, and Advanced Threat Analytics, which helps businesses identify and address potential security threats. With that said, let’s move on to discussing SQL Server licensing. If you plan to use SQL Server, a database management system, with your datacenter, it’s important to obtain the necessary licenses.
Several licensing options are available, including: Per-core licensing involves purchasing a license for each physical core on your server. If you have a large number of cores, this can be a cost-effective option, but it may not be as budget-friendly for businesses with a smaller number of cores. Server + CAL licensing: With this option, you purchase a license for each server that is running SQL Server, as well as a separate CAL (Client Access License) for each user or device that accesses the server. This option may be more flexible for businesses with a variable number of users or devices.
If you are using Windows Server Datacenter in an Azure cloud environment, you may want to consider using Azure SQL Database, a fully-managed database service based on SQL Server. With this option, you pay for the resources you use, rather than purchasing individual licenses.
Now, let’s discuss Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs. To use Remote Desktop Services (RDS) with your datacenter, you’ll need to purchase RDS CALs for each user or device accessing the service. RDS CALs come in two versions: user CALs, which allow a single user to access the service from any device, and device CALs, which allow a single device to access the service from any user.
It’s important to carefully consider your options and consult with a licensed Microsoft partner or representative to ensure that you are obtaining the correct licenses for your business.