Windows Server 2016 DataCenter helps you build a stable network infrastructure and offers many exclusive features found only in this edition. These include Shielded Virtual Machines, Software Defined Networking (SDN) features, Storage Spaces Direct, and Storage Replica. Companies that increasingly rely on virtualization are making the right choice with Microsoft Windows Server 2016 DataCenter. Among the most significant innovations in Hyper-V are advances in failover clustering, which increases resilience to temporary storage and network outages.
New features in Windows Server 2016 DataCenter
- Cloud technologies and Windows containers provide increased speed and flexibility
- Failover clustering to increase resilience to temporary storage or network failures
- Secure management of the server system through new server roles and minimal execution in Nano Server without a graphical user interface for more performance and reduced maintenance requirements
- Storage Replicas provide proactive protection against failures
- Storage Spaces Direct enables the creation of scalable, highly available storage systems with local storage
- Shielded Virtual Machines protect your data within VMs from unauthorized access
- Software Defined Networking (SDN) features for central management and configuration of physical and virtual network devices such as routers, switches, or gateways
Enhanced security with Windows Server 2016 DataCenter
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 DataCenter supports you with a hardware-anchored "zero trust" security approach to protect against current threats. Resources in shared environments are protected by shielded virtual machines, which enable isolation between the underlying host and virtual machines. The "Host Guardian Service," as a new Windows Server role, enables the recognition of trusted hosts. In addition, "Just in Time" and "Just Enough" management allow rules to be set for limiting administrator access. Windows Server 2016 DataCenter thus offers added value in terms of security.
New licensing model for the first time with Windows Server 2016
In previous versions, both the Standard and Datacenter licenses applied to two physical CPUs each. With the new licensing model, there was a switch from a per-CPU to a per-core licensing. It is assumed that a server has at least 8 cores per processor and at least two processors in total, i.e., a total of 16 cores. For each server, 16 cores are then the minimum, and at least 8 cores must be licensed per CPU. Better equipped servers must be upgraded with additional licenses. The supplementary licenses are available in increments of 2, 16, and 24 cores. In addition, the purchase of corresponding User or Device CALs is necessary, which you can also obtain from us at a reasonable price.