Lot’s of confusion over the virtualization of Windows Server 2008 so I figured I’d explain it in some simpler terms:

Windows Server 2008 Standard can optionally be used as a VM host server only, and Microsoft allows you to use the single license you purchased for the host system in a virtual machine without paying more.

It’s really as simple as that. This came out of the penalty that many of us in the server world faced, that of having to pay for a Windows Server license just to host other systems underneath it. In effect, the host system (physical) license was being wasted. (Read between the lines folks: If we’re just going to do virtual machines why not just get vmware esx and not waste money on Windows 2008 server). Now, here is the divergence and also a bit of a clue why my colleagues aren’t getting this:

The real world of virtual machines: consolidation of old systems, uniform distribution of applications, distribution of load based on need (fire up multiple vm’s when the load spikes, shut down systems when the load is not present)

The SMB world of virtual machines: extended functionality by isolating application servers / roles into separate VMs.

Virtually (he he) nobody uses VMs to extend functionality of the core network, they use it to consolidate aging systems and standardize app distribution. So for the real world, this is a huge, huge thing. For the world of SMB, this is a puzzling choice.

So there you have it folks. If you don’t like what’s up there you can blame me, I lobbied for the licensing scheme above day and night because it makes sense for our business and fulfills the need of our clients. Sorry.

Not all servers are right for all people, not all licensing is perfect for every situation. And in Microsoft’s never-ending near-futile attempt to make the licensing fair for everyone the licensing complexity goes up and deal hunters that try to find the cheapest possible licensing scheme find confusion in the licensing solution that was never designed for them. So if you’re in the licensing headache mode, sign up for Eric’s “Licensing Deals” blog and check out the upcoming licensing tours.

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