Windows Server 2022 Standard vs Datacenter

• Posted on 1 December 2022
• 0

In this blog you will read more about Windows Server 2022 Standard vs Datacenter. We will be going into different aspects from these Server versions, such as the functions, differences and much more. We get a lot of questions about these two, so the answers to your questions will be in this blog. Do not hesitate to contact us, if you still have any questions after reading the blog.

What is Windows Server 2022 Datacenter?

A Windows Server allows your computers to work and run the best way possible. This server is the most advanced version out of the 2 Servers in this blog. Also, is it being used the most at medium-sized to big businesses. This server, is often being chosen for visualization. That is because the server allows you to place an infinite amount of VMs on a physical host. This is a really big advantage of the Windows Server 2022 Datacenter. The license is perpetual, meaning that you can use it forever if you would like to. However, you will have to think about the support end dates from Microsoft, and also if you would like a newer version. Windows Server 2022 Datacenter includes:

• All the basic Windows Server 2022 features
• Storage Replica
• 1 Hyper-V host
• Unlimited number of Virtual Machines
• Storage Spaces Direct
• Shielded Virtual Machines
• Host Guardian Hyper-V Support
• Software Defined Networking

What is Windows Server 2022 Standard?

Windows Server 2022 Standard is the basic version of Windows Server 2022. The main usage, is at small businesses, or medium-sized businesses. To get access to the Server, you will need CALs. The license is perpetual, meaning that you can use it forever if you would like to. However, you will have to think about the support end dates from Microsoft, and also if you would like a newer version. Windows Server 2022 Standard includes:

• All the basic Windows Server 2022 features
• 1 Hyper-V host
• 2 Virtual Machines

The differences between Windows Server 2022 Standard and Datacenter:

You could have already seen some of the differences in the text above. Windows Server 2022 Standard offers a lot less functions in comparison to Datacenter. For example, Standard only offers 2 Virtual Machines, whereas Datacenter offers unlimited. Also, Datacenter offers functions such as Storage Replica, Storage Spaces Direct and Software Defined Networking.

Do I need CALs on my Server?

Yes, you need CALs on your Windows 2022 Server, whether that is Standard or Datacenter. You will need either User CALs or Device CALs. If you do not buy CALs for your Server, you will not have access to your Server.

Do I need User CALs or Device CALs?

We receive this question quite a lot. The answer on this question depends on two factors: how many devices and users you have within your company. If you have more devices than users, for example 28 devices and 19 users, User CALs are the way to go. If you have more users than devices, for example 32 users and 17 devices, Device CALs are the way to go. Take a look at the picture below to see another example of this:

Conclusion/summary of Windows Server 2022 Standard vs Datacenter:

The conclusion is the fact that Datacenter offers a lot more functions than Standard. Of course, this goes hand in hand with a higher price. The Standard version fits the best for small to medium-sized businesses, where the Datacenter version fits the best for medium-sized to big businesses. Obviously, this is not a strict rule, it is just an advice. Check out the Windows Server 2022 licenses at Digi License.