Microsoft Windows Server Datacenter Edition - Software Assurance - 2 Core

Designed for enterprise-grade deployments, Microsoft Windows Server Datacenter Edition with Software Assurance delivers unmatched virtualization rights, comprehensive data center capabilities, and ongoing value through upgrade protection. This 2-core license, acquired as an Open Value MOLP Additional Product in Year 1, provides a scalable foundation for dense virtual environments, private clouds, and mission-critical workloads. With Software Assurance included, you gain seamless access to new versions, enhanced support, and a clear path for technology refreshes, ensuring your server infrastructure stays current with evolving security and performance standards. This product is tailored for organizations that need flexible procurement, predictable budgeting, and the resiliency of Datacenter Edition to run unlimited virtual machines, containers, and software-defined data center features on licensed cores.

• Unmatched virtualization rights for scalable data centers: With Windows Server Datacenter Edition, license coverage applies to 2-core packs, enabling you to run an unlimited number of Windows Server virtual machines on licensed cores. This capability is ideal for highly virtualized environments, private clouds, and rapid deployment of scalable services. The limitless guest VMs per licensed core translate into lower per-VM licensing costs as your demand grows, making Datacenter Edition a strategic choice for aggressive virtualization roadmaps.
• Software Assurance benefits for upgrade parity and support: Software Assurance bundled with this Open Value product provides upgrade rights to new server versions, ensuring you can stay current without disruptive licensing changes. In addition, you gain planning services, enhanced support options, and additional training resources that help your IT teams optimize deployment, maintenance, and security posture over time. This coverage is especially valuable in dynamic data centers where staying ahead of security updates and feature enhancements matters.
• Open Value MOLP licensing simplifies procurement: Priced under the Microsoft Open Value licensing program as an Additional Product, this 2-core license offers a straightforward path to acquire essential Datacenter capabilities. MOLP Open Value provides predictable budgeting, flexible payment terms, and standardized licensing terms that simplify license management for growing IT environments. The arrangement aligns with organizations seeking to consolidate licensing under a single program while preserving access to future upgrades.
• Advanced data center features for security, storage, and networking: Datacenter Edition includes comprehensive capabilities for software-defined data centers, including advanced virtualization, storage, and networking features. Organizations can leverage enhanced security features, improved clustering options, and robust storage solutions to support high-demand workloads. With the combination of Datacenter Edition and Software Assurance, you can pursue resilient architectures such as failover clustering, scale-out storage, and streamlined management workflows, all within licensed core boundaries.
• Easy deployment, management, and lifecycle alignment: This product is designed for straightforward procurement and ongoing lifecycle management under the Open Value framework. It integrates with existing Windows Server deployments, Active Directory, and familiar management tools, helping IT teams minimize disruptions during upgrades and migrations. With Software Assurance, you also gain access to upgrade readiness resources and ongoing governance that supports consistent patching, security hardening, and compliance across your server estate.

Technical Details of Microsoft Windows Server Datacenter Edition - Software Assurance - 2 Core

• Edition: Windows Server Datacenter Edition
• License model: Core-based licensing (2-core packs)
• Licensing program: MOLP Open Value; Additional Product, Year 1 acquired
• Software Assurance: Included with purchase (upgrade rights, planning services, enhanced support)
• Virtualization rights: Unlimited Windows Server virtual machines on licensed cores
• Scope: On-premises data center deployment with enterprise features for software-defined data center environments
• Target use case: Highly virtualized workloads, private clouds, and mission-critical applications requiring scalable density and robust security
• Support window: 1-year acquired term with Year 1 coverage under Open Value terms

how to install Microsoft Windows Server Datacenter Edition

Installing Windows Server Datacenter Edition under this license is designed to be familiar for IT teams already managing Windows Server environments. Follow these general steps to deploy quickly and leverage the benefits of Software Assurance from day one:

• Confirm licensing and eligibility: Verify you have an active MOLP Open Value arrangement and the 2-core license pack that corresponds to the server you will deploy. Ensure Software Assurance coverage is active to access upgrade rights and support resources.
• Obtain installation media and product key: Retrieve the Windows Server Datacenter installation ISO and the corresponding product key from your Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) or Open Volume portal as appropriate for your Open Value purchase.
• Prepare hardware and virtualization host: Ensure hardware compatibility with Windows Server Datacenter requirements, including processor architecture (64-bit), sufficient RAM, and storage that meets your workload needs. For virtualized hosts, plan licensing to cover the cores allocated to the host and any planned guests.
• Install the operating system: Boot the server from the Datacenter ISO, follow the on-screen prompts, select the appropriate edition, and complete the standard installation steps (disk configuration, network settings, and initial administrator account setup).
• Activate and license: After installation, apply the Datacenter product key or activate via your KMS/MAK setup as dictated by your licensing environment. Validate activation status in the system settings or via the Volume Licensing portal.
• Configure roles and features: Use Server Manager or Windows Admin Center to install roles and features such as Hyper-V, Storage Spaces Direct, and Networking features as needed. Enable security baselines, firewall profiles, and monitoring agents to align with security policies.
• Apply updates and leverage Software Assurance benefits: Run Windows Update to install the latest security and feature updates. With Software Assurance, plan for future version upgrades and consult available planning services or training resources to maximize value.
• Implement backup and recovery: Establish a robust backup strategy for Datacenter-scale workloads, including virtualization host backups and guest VM backups, leveraging built-in features and third-party solutions as needed.

Frequently asked questions

• What is Windows Server Datacenter Edition? Windows Server Datacenter Edition is Microsoft’s top-tier server edition designed for highly virtualized data centers and private clouds. It includes unlimited virtualization rights on licensed cores, advanced data-center features, and full support for software-defined storage and networking.
• How many cores are licensed with this product? This purchase licenses 2 cores per license pack, with the Datacenter Edition providing virtualization rights based on the licensed cores. For larger servers, additional 2-core packs are added to scale coverage accordingly.
• What does Software Assurance include? Software Assurance provides upgrade rights to new server versions, planning services, enhanced support options, and access to training and deployment resources, helping your organization stay current and maximize productivity.
• What does MOLP Open Value mean for this product? MOLP Open Value is a Microsoft licensing program offering a convenient, predictable path to purchase. This product is an Open Value Additional Product, Year 1 acquired, with straightforward licensing terms and the ability to plan software investments over a defined term.
• Can I run unlimited virtual machines with this license? Yes. The Windows Server Datacenter Edition license provides unlimited virtualization rights for the licensed cores, enabling you to run as many Windows Server guest VMs as your core coverage allows, which is a key advantage for dense virtualization and private cloud scenarios.