Windows Server 2019 vs. 2016 & Standard vs. Datacenter

 contents

• What is Windows Server?
• What is the difference between a retail and volume license for Windows Server?
• What are the practical consequences of this difference? (with Windows Server licenses)
• A volume license can use one KMS host
• Buy additional license rights for your Windows Server Volume license?
• What are the new features in Windows Server 2016 compared to Windows Server 2012?
• What are the differences between Windows Server 2016 Standard and Datacenter?
• What are the system requirements of Windows Server 2016?
• Microsoft Volume License: Compare Windows Server 2016 versions
• Compare versions of Windows Server 2016
• Comparison of Microsoft volume licenses for Windows Server 2016
• What are the similarities between Server 2016 Standard and Datacenter?
• What are the differences between Windows Server 2016 Standard and Datacenter?
• Windows Server 2019 improvements compared to Windows Server 2016
• What are the differences between Windows Server 2019 Standard and Datacenter?
• What are the system requirements for Windows Server 2019?
• Buy cheap Windows Server licenses
• Do You Have Questions? Contact us!

What is Windows Server?

Microsoft Windows Server is a family of enterprise-class server operating systems that share services among multiple users and provide extensive administrative control over data storage, applications, and corporate networks. Navicosoft is providing Cheap Windows VPS Hosting. The main features of Windows Server include Active Directory, user information management, security, and the ability to work with other directories.

What is the difference between a retail and volume license for Windows Server?

• The volume license is easy to manage: you have one activation code (MAK key) that can be used for multiple servers. You can control multiple license rights associated with an activation code.
• With retail, you need a separate activation code for each server. So, there is a maximum of 1 license right per unique activation code.

What are the practical consequences of this difference? (with Windows Server licenses)

• If you increase the number of servers/computers: With a volume license, you do not necessarily need a new activation code. You can order additional license rights with the current MAK key. With a retail license, you need to purchase a new license (activation code) and activate it again.
• If a computer crashes, you can reinstall the server’s license for both retail and volume. You are purchasing certain rights with pre-owned software, and those rights are perpetual.
• A retail license is a 16-core license and can only be expanded with 16 cores. Volume licenses can be expanded per 2Core. A physical server must be licensed for at least 16 cores in both cases.

 

A volume license can use one KMS host.

A volume license can be activated with a KMS key instead of a MAK key. A KMS key activates a KMS host that can activate an unlimited number of computers. This is useful for testing computers that require large numbers of reinstallations and activations. We deliver our licenses with a MAK key by default.

Buy additional license rights for your Windows Server Volume license?

You can quickly and inexpensively order additional license rights from Navicosoft, the Cheap Windows VPS providing company. Request this via sales@navicosoft.com or take a look at our offer for Windows Server licenses.

What are the new features in Windows Server 2016 compared to Windows Server 2012?

Below you can read what’s new and improved compared to Windows Server 2012.

1. Nano Server

Nano Server requires 92 percent less installation than the Windows Server graphical user interface (GUI) installation option. That being said, these good reasons may lead you to use Nano for at least some of your Windows Server workload:

• Because you need to inject server roles from outside of Nano administratively, the server has a much smaller attack surface compared to GUI Windows Server.
• Nano is so small that it can be easily transferred between servers, data centers, and physical locations.
• Nano hosts the most popular Windows Server workloads, including the Hyper-V host.

2. Containers

To bring Docker-based containers to Windows Server, Microsoft is working closely with the Docker development team. Until now, containers have existed almost exclusively in the open-source world of Linux/UNIX. You can use it to isolate applications and services in a flexible and easy-to-manage way. Windows Server 2016 offers two different types of “containerized” Windows Server instances:

• Windows Server Container. This container type is intended for low-reliability workloads where you don’t mind that container instances running on the same server can share some resources.
• Hyper-V Container. This is not a Hyper-V host or VM. Instead, it’s a “super isolated,” containerized Windows Server instance, wholly isolated from other containers and the host server. Hyper-V containers are suitable for high-reliability workloads.

 

 

3. Boot Linux safely

Secure Boot is part of the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) specification that protects a server’s boot environment from being injected by rootkits or other boot-up malware.

 

The problem with Windows Server-based Secure Boot is that if you tried to create a Linux-based Gen 2 Hyper-V VM, your server would (figuratively) explode since the Linux kernel drivers aren’t part of the trusted device store. Technically, the VM’s UEFI firmware displays the “Failed Secure Boot Verification” error and terminates the boot process.

 

Today, the Windows Server and Azure development teams are using Linux more. Because of this, we can now easily deploy Linux VMs on Windows Server 2016 Hyper-V without disabling the otherwise great Secure Boot feature. Navicosoft offers Cheap Windows Server 2013, 2016, and 2019.

4. Storage Spaces Direct

Storage Spaces is a new Windows Server feature that makes it more affordable for administrators to create redundant and flexible disk storage. Storage Spaces Direct in Windows Server 2016 extends Storage Spaces to allow failover cluster nodes to use their local storage in that cluster without previously requiring a shared storage structure.

What are the differences between Windows Server 2016 Standard and Datacenter?

 

What are the system requirements of Windows Server 2016?

Minimum system requirements for Windows Server 2016.

• 4GHz 64-bit processor
• Compatible with x64 operating system
• Supports NX and DEP
• Supports CMPXCHG16b, LAHF/SAHF, and PrefetchW
• Supports second-level address translation (EPT or NPT)

Microsoft Volume License: Compare Windows Server 2016 versions

Do you want to use a Microsoft Volume License for Windows Server 2016? You can choose from different editions, which we are happy to help you compare—using a Microsoft Open License based on the number of cores used. To scale the software so that you only pay for what you use. A minimum of 16 seats per physical server is required for proper licensing. You can then expand with 2 core licenses each time. Navicosoft is providing Cheap Windows VPS Hosting.

 

 

Compare versions of Windows Server 2016

There are different editions of Windows Server 2016 that you can easily compare with each other. We list the three options with the ideal application.

• Data Center For virtualized data

centers running high-quality software.

• Standard

For non-virtualized and less busy environments.

• Essentials

For small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices.

In both cases, the Microsoft volume licenses used are cheaper for purchasing licenses. It is more affordable than new and affects used Microsoft software. Just as easy to use and just as reliable, but at a much lower price. And easy to buy online only with us on the platform. Windows Server Essentials is not available as a volume license. Curious about the differences between Windows Server 2016 Standard and Datacenter? Check out the link below:

Comparison of Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2016

Comparison of Microsoft volume licenses for Windows Server 2016

Of course, the different Microsoft Open licenses for the editions of Windows Server 2016 offer other options. The core functions are available in all three cases. You don’t have to worry about that. Nor via the Host Guardian Service and the Nano Server are available in both cases. In addition, you can always use Windows Server Containers unlimitedly. You can quickly and inexpensively order additional license rights from Navicosoft, the Cheap Windows VPS providing compantny. The differences lie in some other factors. For example, with the Standard license, you can use 2 operating system environments, while with the Datacenter license, they are unlimited. Additionally, this enhanced edition gives you access to storage options like Storage Spaces Direct and Storage Replica. You can also use protected virtual machines and a network stack.

Below is exactly what’s new in Windows Server 2016

• calculation
• identity and access
• administration
• networks
• security and control
• Storage
• Failover-Clustering
• application development
• New function

 

 

What are the similarities between Server 2016 Standard and Datacenter?

1. Nano-server

New in Windows Server 2016 is a remotely managed server operating system designed for private clouds and data centers. It’s compact (consuming just over 512 MB of disk space and about 256 MB of memory), quick to set up, and largely undemanding for updates and system reboots. Nano server has fewer requirements in comparison to Windows Server. In terms of use cases, Nano Server is perfect as a “compute” host for Hyper-V VMs, including those in clusters. It can also be used as a storage host for scale-out file servers, a DNS server, and a web server with Internet Information Services (IIS).

2. Storage Spaces Direct

This solution offers the opportunity to create a highly scalable, software-defined storage unit with the basic functions of a traditional SAN or NAS while staying within your budget. The technology is based on standard servers with locally attached drives and includes caching, storage tiers, and erasure encryption. Two deployment options are available: hyper-converged and converged, which greatly simplifies the deployment process.

3. Cluster Rolling Upgrade

With this technology, you can upgrade the cluster node operating system without stopping the Hyper-V or scale-out file server workloads running on the nodes. In other words, this is a way to minimize or even prevent downtime. Navicosoft offers Cheap Windows Server 2013, 2016, and 2019.

This functionality does not require additional hardware or the presence of a new cluster. The upgrade process is reversible unless you choose point-of-no-return.

What are the differences between Windows Server 2016 Standard and Datacenter?

The Windows Server data center is suitable for companies with high workloads, large virtual infrastructures, and IT requirements. The data center supports all the features available in the standard version, with the critical difference that many features in the standard version can do more.

 

The standard variant is perfect for smaller companies and therefore contains fewer options, or the options are less advanced. On the other hand, the data center has more options, or they are more advanced. 

 

The following table shows a comparison of the two variants. Several additional points are explained below the table.

 

1. Virtual Machines (VMs)

The number of virtual machines you can create is unlimited in the data center variant. In the standard variant, the limit is 2. However, just like in the common variant, only one Hyper-V host per license is available in the data center.

2. Protected Virtual Machines

Windows Server 2016 Datacenter supports protected virtual machines and offers additional protection and encryption. Comprehensive security options include secure BootBoot, TPMs, and disk encryption, improving protection against malware and insider threats. The Host Guardian, another part of the technology, provides support for Hyper-V hosts and the use of protected VMs.

3. Containers

About containers, there are no restrictions in the data center variant. You can make countless Windows and Hyper-V containers. With the standard variant, you can create a maximum of 2 Hyper-V containers. With the help of containers, you can simplify the development, deployment, and management of your applications.

 

 

4. Storage Replicas

Another important element of the Windows Server 2016 data center is the storage replicas. This technology provides comprehensive disaster recovery capabilities by allowing you to replicate data between servers and clusters. Storage replicas are data blocks that are collected and stored to prevent data loss and give you peace of mind. Navicosoft is providing Cheap Windows VPS Hosting. Storage Replicas are only available in the Datacenter variant of Windows Server, not in Windows Server Standard.

5. Network Controller

The data center variant is supplied with the network controller. This technology aims to simplify the management, configuration, and monitoring of your physical and virtual network infrastructure. This feature allows you to automate network configuration and reduce manual effort. With the Application Programming Interface (API), the function offers the possibility to communicate with devices, services, and other network components from one place. Windows Server Standard does not support this.

6. Software-Defined Networking

Another function that is not available in the standard version but in the data center version is Software Defined Networking (SDN). This functionality allows you to configure and manage your physical and virtual network devices centrally. This includes routers, switches, gateways, etc. In addition, SDN can help you improve the integration between your virtual and physical networks.

 

 

Windows Server 2019 improvements compared to Windows Server 2016

1. New graphical user interface

Windows Server 2016 was missing the graphical user interface. This came as quite a surprise to many companies that had started rolling out the latest versions for Server Core and Nano non-GUI configurations. The professional can experience a graphical desktop user interface and the Nano and Server Core versions mentioned above.

2. New failover clustering features

Windows Server 2019 has two failover cluster features:

• The ability to move clusters between domains. All previous versions of the server forced administrators first to uncluster the existing ones and recreate them in the preferred domain. This is no longer necessary because, with Server 2019, the entire network cluster can easily switch between domains without deconstructing the cluster itself first.
• Availability of historical reports with permission to access one year’s worth of data within a failover cluster. This data may include the primary Storage Spaces Direct metrics. This capability eliminates the need for third-party monitoring solutions or a System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) implementation.

3. Security Enhancements

The latest version of Windows Server comes with Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP). The program uses commonly used vectors to detect security threats and breaches, block them and send alerts about malicious attacks. By providing comprehensive platform responses and sensors and disclosing kernel and memory level activities, the feature is deployed against malicious elements in vulnerable computers.

 

By the way, Windows 10 users have already received Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection features for several months. You can quickly and inexpensively order additional license rights from Navicosoft, the Cheap Windows VPS providing company. By adding Windows Defender ATP to the Windows Server 2019 suite, administrators can leverage security-related components, storage, and network transport to avoid potential compromises on the Windows Server 2019 systems.

4. More efficient and compact containers

The latest version of Windows Server has a greatly improved Windows Server Core model with smaller frame size. As part of the latest Insiders build, Microsoft has turned a number of non-critical components into more optional components in the Core Edition. Optional components have been removed from the Windows Server Core container images.

The reduction in footprint is an improvement in overall usability and implementation time. IT operations overhead has also been reduced with fewer bloated servers and more efficient and thinner containers.

 

 

5. Storage Migration Service

Previous versions of Windows Server lacked data migration options when moving from older storage platforms and systems. This led to administrators using the older models simply because it was either too slow or simply impossible to migrate data manually.

 

Storage Migration Service is a new role that ships with Windows Server Standard and Datacenter. This service does the following:

• Allow administrators to inventory their existing servers for security, network, and data settings.
• Migrate security, network, and data settings to a new destination via SMB protocol.
• Fully impersonates the old server while using the old resource

Hibernate in a way that doesn’t notify or affect applications and users about the migration.

 

In addition, the Storage Migration Service (SMS) covers all the available subtleties and issues that are typical of a migration. This includes network addresses, security settings, local security principles, names, etc. Navicosoft offers Cheap Windows Server 2013, 2016, and 2019.

 

What are the differences between Windows Server 2019 Standard and Datacenter?

Windows Server comes in two versions. The chart below shows the differences and which version is helpful for which type of business.

 

What are the system requirements for Windows Server 2019?

These are the minimum system requirements to install and use Windows Server 2019 data center:

• Processor: 1.4 GHz 64-bit EMT64 or AMD64 processor required.
• Storage: 96 GB (3 times the RAM as limited to 32 GB)
• Hard Disk Controller: PCI Express-compatible hard disk controller
• RAM: 512 MB ECC supported memory modules. 800 MB for VM installations.
• Network: Gigabit Ethernet adapter with a throughput of 1 Gbps. PCI Express compliant.
• Additional Requirements: Trusted Platform Module. Support UEFI 2.3.1c based system and firmware.

Buy cheap Windows Server licenses.

Navicosoft is a specialist in used Microsoft licenses that will save you up to 70% off the new price. Navicosoft offers Windows Server 2013, 2016, and 2019. Curious about the cost? Request an offer now.

https://www.navicosoft.com.au/windows-server

 

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