Windows Server 2016
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 was developed alongside Windows 10 as part of the Windows NT family. The first Technical Preview was released on 1 October 2014 together with the System Center Technical Preview and remained in public beta until September 2016. The final version of Windows Server 2016 was officially launched on 12 October 2016 at Microsoft's Ignite Conference. A 180-day evaluation version is available for download.
Support for Windows Server 2016, including the provision of security updates, will end on 12 January 2027.
Our portfolio includes both the Standard Edition and Datacenter Edition under Microsoft Volume Licensing, available with different core configurations and flexible access options for your users.
Benefits of Used Windows Server 2016 Licences
Used Microsoft Windows Server licences offer a number of advantages:
- Cost Efficiency: Significantly less expensive than purchasing new licences, with no limitations in functionality.
- Legal Compliance: The resale of used software licences is legally recognised and established within the EU.
- Immediate Availability: Licences can be deployed as soon as the purchase process is completed.
- Sustainability: Reusing software licences helps conserve resources and reduce environmental impact.
- Full Functionality: Genuine licences with access to all features and available updates.
- Expert Support: Our specialists are available to assist with any questions regarding pre-owned software licences.
- Volume Licensing: A cost-effective, centrally managed and flexible way for organisations to deploy software legally and efficiently across multiple users or devices.
Windows Server 2016 Features and Enhancements
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 includes a wide range of powerful capabilities, including:
- Nano Server: A lightweight server installation option designed to improve security and reduce maintenance requirements.
- Windows Containers and Docker Support: Flexible deployment and management of modern applications.
- Storage Spaces Direct: Highly available and scalable software-defined storage solutions.
- Storage Replica: Block-level replication for enhanced data protection and disaster recovery.
- PowerShell 5.0: Improved automation and administration capabilities.
- Windows Defender: Built-in protection against malware and security threats.
- Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS): Enhanced authentication and identity management options.
- Remote Desktop Services: Improved graphics performance and stability for virtual desktop environments.
- Licensing Model: Standard and Datacenter editions are licensed on a core-based model, where the number of physical cores per server determines licensing requirements.
- Access Rights: Appropriate User CALs or Device CALs are required to access the server operating system.
Support Lifecycle for Windows Server 2016
Microsoft provides comprehensive support and regular security updates for Windows Server 2016 until 12 January 2027. During this period, organisations benefit from critical security updates designed to protect systems against evolving threats.
As the end of support approaches, businesses should plan their migration to a newer Windows Server version in good time to maintain security, compliance and access to the latest technical improvements. Our experts can support you throughout the planning and execution of your migration project, helping to ensure that your server environment remains secure, up to date and compliant with current regulatory requirements.
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Choosing the Right Windows Server 2016 Licence
When selecting the most suitable licensing option, consider the following factors:
- Organisation Size
- Essentials Edition: Suitable for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices.
- Standard Edition: Ideal for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Datacenter Edition: Designed for larger organisations with extensive virtualisation requirements.
- Virtualisation Requirements
- Standard Edition: Suitable for limited virtualisation scenarios.
- Datacenter Edition: Supports unlimited virtual machines.
- Licensing Model: Core-based licensing applies. A minimum of 8 cores per processor and 16 cores per server must be licensed.
- Client Access Licences (CALs): A separate User CAL or Device CAL is required for each user or device accessing the server.
- Expert Advice: Our licensing specialists can help you identify the most cost-effective and compliant licence combination for your organisation's requirements.
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