There have been some recent Microsoft licensing updates that we wanted to make you aware of.
Microsoft has announced that there has been a change to the Azure Hybrid use benefit for Windows Server:
Elimination of requirement that allocation of licenses needs to be done in packs of eight
Elimination of requirement that 16 licenses need to be allocated before starting to use Azure Hybrid use Benefit. You will still need a minimum of 8 cores per VM.
There has been a Windows Server amendment. The minimum requirement of 16 core licenses per customer when licensing per VM has been removed for Windows Server.
You can now use Datacenter images for Windows Server Standard subscriptions.
CSP customers are now allowed to run datacenter images when purchasing Windows Server Standard subscriptions. Customers with Windows Server Standard subscription licenses acquired through CSP and assigned on a Virtual OSE basis may run Windows Server Datacenter images instead of Standard images. This is however subject to the following conditions: Customers may run Datacenter images as guest OSEs only.
Customers must use their existing Windows Server Datacenter Activation Infrastructure to activate Datacenter guests or access the Datacenter guests provided by a Cloud Solution Provider-Hoster.
Two cloud hoster program exceptions were added that will reduce licensing requirements for this program. Users do not need Windows Server CALs when accessing server software acquired from, fulfilled and hosted by a Cloud Solution Provider-Hoster.
Customer does not need a Windows Server External Connector license for External User access to server software acquired from, fulfilled and hosted by a Cloud Solution Provider-Hoster.
If you have any concerns around how the licensing changes will effect your business please contact sales@recarta.co.uk
