Hey everyone! I'm a total newbie sysadmin, so I hope you can help me out. We recently took over an office space with some meeting panels outside the conference rooms that need to run off a server. We don't really have servers anymore since we're all in the cloud with Azure, but I set up a spare Lenovo ThinkSmart machine with Windows Server 2016 eval edition, and then switched to the 2022 eval when that expired. Now, I'm in a bit of a bind since the 2022 eval is almost up. I really just need a basic license for this little server (it has 6 cores), but I'm wondering if I'm stuck with a pricey $1,000+ Server 2022 Standard license as my only choice. What about CALs? Should I consider VMs? My VAR isn't providing much clarity since my contact changed recently, and I just don't trust their advice anymore. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
Just a thought—could these panels run on Windows 11 Pro instead of using Server? That could really save you some bucks, plus most software works across the board on Windows 11.
Honestly, server licensing can be a pain! But if it’s just for a little box to run meeting panels, it might not be necessary to shell out for the full Standard. Have you checked if Windows Server Essentials could fit? It’s cheaper and doesn’t require CALs, with one license for up to 25 users or 50 devices. Also, if your organization uses Microsoft 365 or Azure AD, the panels might be able to authenticate directly without needing a server at all! Worst case, get a Standard license through your VAR or a CSP but steer clear of retail prices if you can help it!
I heard you can only get Essentials through Dell, Lenovo, or HP with a new server purchase now.
My VAR doesn’t even offer Essentials anymore. It sounds perfect, but no dice. Plus, I’ve heard Essentials is just a tweaked version of Standard but at a way better price.
Do you really need Windows for those meeting panels? If they support an open Linux platform, that might be an option! But if they’re like those Microsoft Teams Meeting Panels, then yeah, you definitely want to check if you can get a cheaper basic resale license—I've seen them go for around $80.
I’m all about Windows, though! I’ve got pretty much all my knowledge based there. Plus, these panels are kinda like Teams products, so I’m stuck in that realm.
Microsoft’s moving away from those. They’re phasing out some of their older products, even if they still show up online.
Have you considered using an Azure VM instead of a physical server? This would help with licensing and you can schedule it to run during business hours. But seriously, look into whether the panels even need a real server. There could be some cloud option available these days!
I’ve thought about that, but I’m not sure how to set it up. I’m pretty much doing all the IT here solo, and I have some gaps in my Azure knowledge. Any tips on where to learn?
You know, if you have E3 licenses or something similar, the CALs might already be included, so that's one less thing to worry about. Otherwise, it sounds like you’re leaning towards something like a cheaper OEM license for your server.
True, but if there's no dedicated license user for these panels, you’d still need a device CAL.
For real? I thought I needed a Server edition for this to work. It just seems too easy.