I'm trying to figure out Microsoft's licensing rules. If I buy six Server 2025 licenses, each with Software Assurance (SA), does that mean I can cover updates for 12 servers? Each license covers 16 cores, and since I have a 24-core server, I'd technically have 4 licenses to work with. So with those 6 licenses, I could run 1 host server and up to 8 virtual machines (VMs). Does SA mean I'm covered for the host server and those 8 VMs? Just want to get everything clear before I decommission my WSUS server and move everything to updates through ARC instead of keeping the WSUS just for a few servers.
3 Answers
Your MS rep might be right about stacking licenses. If you bought 6 licenses, you might be limited on how many VMs can run per host. It seems like they might want you to think of it as 3 hosts with 2 VMs each instead of piling everything on one host. Just keep an eye on what they say; it seems like their word is final on these things!
From what I understand, SA is indeed separate from your main license purchase, and it looks like you do have enough licenses for what you're running. But make sure you double-check if you actually have an agreement that covers enough cores! There are SKUs for 24-core licenses that might make things easier in the long run.
I do have a separate agreement for the SA, and I think my licensing specialist mentioned something about those 24-core options too.
Honestly, Microsoft's licensing can be super confusing! You’re correct that you can run 1 host and 8 VMs with what you have. Just remember that each license technically covers the cores, and you’ll need to make sure you’re not skimping on licensing just because it seems like you can stretch it. Still, if you have Software Assurance, it’s a good backup for updates! Just keep everything documented and clear for any audits.
Yeah, it feels like a PhD is needed just to navigate these licensing terms! Just stay on the right side, and you should be fine.
Totally agree! I went through a similar discussion with my licensing and ended up just calculating the total cores I needed based on what I'd actually run.