Windows Server 2016 is available in various editions that differ in functionality, virtualization capabilities, and licensing model.
Overview of Editions
Server 2016 Essentials
- For small businesses with basic requirements
- Limited virtualization
- No additional CALs required
- Up to 25 users / 50 devices
- Maximum of 2 CPU sockets
Server 2016 Standard
- For businesses with advanced requirements and moderate virtualization
- Up to 2 virtual machines per license
- CALs required
- Core-based licensing
Server 2016 Datacenter
- For highly virtualized environments and large IT infrastructures
- Unlimited number of virtual machines
- CALs required
- Core-based licensing
Important Change in Licensing Model
With Windows Server 2016, the licensing model has been fundamentally changed:
- Previous versions were based on CPU licensing (per processor)
- Starting with Windows Server 2016, licensing is done per CPU core (Core)
The following minimum requirements apply:
- At least 8 cores per processor
- At least 16 cores per server (with 2 processors of 8 cores each)
This minimum licensing forms the basis, even if fewer physical cores are present.
Additional Licenses
For more powerful servers with more cores, additional core licenses must be purchased (usually in 2-core packages).
Additionally, for Standard and Datacenter editions, CALs (User or Device CALs) are required.
These can also be purchased separately.