Windows Server 2012 is available in various editions that differ in features, virtualization, and licensing.
Overview of Windows Server 2012 Editions
Server Foundation
- For small businesses with basic requirements
- No virtualization provided
- No additional CALs required
- Supports up to 15 users
- Supports a maximum of 1 CPU socket
Server Essentials
- Suitable for small businesses and workgroups
- No advanced virtualization scenarios provided
- No additional CALs required
- Supports up to 25 users or 50 devices
- Supports up to 2 CPU sockets
Server Standard
- For businesses with advanced requirements
- Suitable for physical and virtual environments
- Entitled to run up to 2 virtual instances per licensing unit
- CALs required
- CPU/processor-based licensing
Server Datacenter
- For highly virtualized environments and data centers
- Unlimited number of virtual instances possible
- CALs required
- CPU/processor-based licensing
Licensing of Windows Server 2012
The licensing of Windows Server 2012 is based – depending on the edition – on the number of processors used (CPU sockets).
Important notes:
- Foundation supports a maximum of 1 CPU socket
- Essentials supports a maximum of 2 CPU sockets
- Standard and Datacenter additionally require appropriate CALs
- Additional processors may require additional licenses
Please note that the appropriate licensing always depends on your server environment and the number of users, devices, and virtual machines.