HPE ROK Standard vs Datacenter: which licence do you actually need?
The most common question we get. Standard or Datacenter? It comes down to one thing: how many VMs are you running on that server?
They are the same OS. One thing is different.
Standard and Datacenter are the same operating system. Same features, same performance, same everything. The only difference is how many virtual machines you are licensed to run on the physical server.
Standard covers up to 2 VMs per licence. If you run more than 2 on a single physical server, you need additional Standard licences, one per 2 VMs.
Datacenter covers unlimited VMs on one physical server. One licence, no matter how many VMs you run.
The numbers
| Feature | Standard | Datacenter |
|---|---|---|
| VM licences included | 2 VMs | Unlimited |
| OS and features | Identical | Identical |
| Storage Spaces Direct | No | Yes |
| Shielded VMs | No | Yes |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Right for 1-2 VMs | Yes | Overpaying |
| Right for 5+ VMs | Buy multiple | Yes |
When Datacenter works out cheaper
Running 1 or 2 VMs on your HPE server, Standard is cheaper. Running 7 or more, Datacenter almost certainly wins. The zone where you need to do the maths is 3 to 6 VMs.
At 3 to 4 VMs you need two Standard licences to stay compliant. At that point, compare the cost of two Standards against one Datacenter at current prices. From 4 VMs upwards, Datacenter often wins. Get a quote from us and we will tell you which is cheaper for your specific situation.
If you are running Hyper-V with guests, Datacenter is almost certainly what you need.
Tell us how many VMs you are running and your HPE server model. We will tell you which licence is cheaper and give you a same-day quote. Email sales@verilicense.co.uk.
What happens if your server has more than 16 cores
Both Standard and Datacenter ROK licences cover up to 16 physical cores. If your HPE ProLiant has more than 16, you need the base 16-core licence plus add-on core packs. One 2-core pack for every 2 cores above 16.
Example: a dual-socket server with two 12-core processors has 24 physical cores. You need the base 16-core ROK licence plus four 2-core add-on packs to cover all 24 cores.
Running Windows Server on more cores than you have licensed is a compliance issue. Microsoft does audit. Count your physical cores before you order. Not sure how to count them? Tell us your server model and we will work it out for you.
CALs are separate. Do not forget them.
Neither Standard nor Datacenter includes Client Access Licences. Every user or device connecting to Windows Server needs a CAL. They are a separate purchase.
The exception is Essentials, which covers up to 25 users without separate CALs. But Essentials is a small business product with different virtualisation rules. If you are reading this trying to decide between Standard and Datacenter, Essentials is probably not the right fit for you.
Quick questions
Can I upgrade from Standard to Datacenter later?
Yes. You buy a Datacenter licence and retire the Standard one. You cannot top up a Standard licence. Contact us for upgrade pricing.
Does Datacenter have more features?
Mostly the same OS. Datacenter adds Storage Spaces Direct and Shielded VMs. For most workloads, the feature set is identical to Standard.
What happens if I run more VMs than my licence covers?
It is a compliance violation. Microsoft audits happen. Licence correctly from the start. If you are not sure what you need, ask us before you deploy.
The bottom line: Standard if you are running one or two VMs. Datacenter if you are running more than four. Everything in between, do the maths or ask us to do it for you.