Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Datacenter 2-Core

Windows Server 2016 Datacenter offers all the prerequisites to fully meet the demands of large organizations and companies for a high degree of virtualization in terms of the Server used and the Services provided; it is the Server version of Windows 10. The 2-Core package forms the basis for Server licensing with the Datacenter edition.

The most important facts about Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Datacenter in brief

With Windows Server 2016 Datacenter, companies receive a reliable Server operating system with many powerful technologies and functions that support the virtualization of applications. Compared to the previous version, this Datacenter edition offers many enhancements and optimizations as well as many new exclusive features that also ensure better security of network infrastructures through increased stability and optimized protection against failures, etc. Due to the familiar interface from Windows 10, the use of Windows Server 2016 Datacenter is almost intuitive.

What does Windows Server 2016 offer in the Datacenter edition?

A key decision criterion for purchasing the Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Edition is the ever-increasing need for virtualization to develop and operate complex hyper-converged infrastructures. To this end, this Datacenter edition provides many exclusive features that can benefit organizations with many virtual systems and high demands in terms of IT alongside large workloads. These include Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) as well as Storage Replica, Shielded Virtual Machines (Shielded VM), Software Defined Networking (SDN) as well as the new network stack (Protocol Stack), which are described in more detail below.

In Windows Server 2016 Datacenter the Microsoft Azure Services are also available for this purpose, with further practical functions enabling an even closer connection of local environments to the Cloud.

Licensing of the Windows Server 2016 Datacenter-edition with used software

With the release of the Windows Server 2016 version, licensing of the Datacenter edition is now only Core-based: Thereby a minimum number of 16 cores is assumed for each Server, more cores can also be licensed supplementary with the corresponding 2-Core packages - more details below.

Softwarehandel24 offers this 16-Core package to Windows Server 2016 Datacenter as used software. Compared to new software, buyers benefit above all from its lower price - without restrictions in the range of functions, e.g. in the use from VMs or the performance - also this older Server version is usually no longer offered new. Detailed information about the functionality of Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Edition as well as the exact licensing terms can be found in the following overview.

Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Edition - all the benefits and exclusive functions

With the Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Edition, large enterprises that develop and deploy highly virtualized environments or hyperconverged infrastructures receive a powerful Server software that meets all requirements. The integrated features and functions use innovative Microsoft technologies to provide stable and reliable applications.

The Datacenter edition is not only convincing in the network area, but also offers many advantages in the security and storage of data. This gives it the necessary flexibility to adapt the more complex IT infrastructures in companies to the current and future Business requirements of the digital age. As part of this, it enables the deployment of more cost-effective virtual storage, web and application platforms, and software-defined networking (SDN), complemented by improvements in Server management and automation, and data security and access.

In Windows Server 2016 Datacenter, many exclusive features support this creation of robust network structures that better withstand greater loads and disruptions, including: Shielded Virtual Machines, Storage Spaces Direct and Software Defined Networking (SDN) as well as Storage Replica and a new network stack (Protocol Stack), complemented by innovations for failover clustering in Hyper-V, which are presented here.

Shielded Virtual Machines (Shielded VMs)

Shielded Virtual Machines offer a high level of protection in networks against the theft or misuse of critical data used in mission-critical applications, for example, when they are outsourced to a public Cloud. The Shielded VMs use a Guarded Fabric for this purpose, which is composed of Host Guardian Service (HGS) and Guarded Hosts.

Software Defined Networking (SDN)

Software Defined Networking allows both physical (e.g. routers, switches) and virtual network devices (e.g. gateways) to be centrally configured and dynamically managed. SDN can also be used to secure networks and accelerate workload delivery, and Software Defined Networking can be used to define and scale policies to control both physical and virtual networks.

Storage Spaces Direct (S2D)

S2D or Storage Spaces Direct enables data storage located on different local Windows servers to be combined into a virtual storage cluster. S2D makes it easier to set up and manage scalable, high-availability software-defined storage systems.

Storage Replica

In addition to S2D, Storage Replica in Windows Server 2016 Datacenter is used to minimize downtimes with disaster preparedness while virtually eliminating data loss at the file system level. Storage Replica supports both synchronous replication, where data is mirrored at physical sites with fail-safe volumes, and asynchronous replication, where data is mirrored between sites across regional areas using higher-latency network links.

Further security functions

With the new security layers available in Windows Server 2016, threats to IT structures in a company are identified even better and appropriate countermeasures are initiated promptly. The protection of virtual machines has also been increased, including optimized access control and the integration of multiple layers of protection, which has reduced the security risk.

Enhanced security in the Datacenter Server-Edition is also provided by the Microsoft Zero Trust approach through a separation of host and virtual machine, with resources used in shared environments protected by shielded virtual machines. The Microsoft Host Guardian Service identifies trusted hosts and via Just in Time and Just Enough management, rules can also be defined to limit administrator access.

Additional features of Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Edition

For application virtualization, Windows Server 2016 Datacenter offers even more options for deploying containers compared to the previous version, thanks to better integration of containers. These are complemented by other features such as Nano Server and the Azure Services, which are also briefly described.

In addition, the use of Windows Server 2016 Datacenter as a data center for the management of IT infrastructures is optimized by, among other things, new available Server roles as well as supplementary options for the assignment of user rights. Windows Server 2016 Datacenter can also be launched in the reduced Core application to improve performance on older hardware by not displaying the graphical Desktop interface.

Virtualization capabilities with Hyper-V

The Datacenter-edition of Windows Server 2016 includes virtualization rights for unlimited virtual machines and Hyper-V containers. Storage features available with Hyper-V include iSCSI initiator to use the SCSI protocol over an IP network, the aforementioned Storage Spaces Direct, multipath I/O (MPIO) for increased resiliency through better load balancing, and VM Storage Resiliency to improve the availability of Hyper-V clusters by increasing the failure tolerance of storage systems.

Support for Windows Server containers under Docker

Microsoft Windows Server in 2016, Windows Server supports containers or Hyper-V containers based on Docker open source software, making it easier to deploy Server- and Cloud-applications via container virtualization, including easier deployment.

Nano Server in Windows Server 2016

Nano Server is a Remote managed server operating system that enables the creation of much leaner servers, as the use of a virtual engine can save up to 90% storage space in an enterprise server structure. Nano-Server is optimized for Windows Server containers or Docker and can therefore be configured to host Docker containers - in addition to being used for traditional server services such as file servers.

Using Microsoft Azure Services with Windows Server 2016 Datacenter

In Windows Server 2016 version provides an even closer connection between operating system and the Microsoft Azure Cloud-Services, to link distributed data centers even more efficiently and reliably into high-performance, high-availability servers and clusters. The major advantage of Azure is the provision of a homogeneous hybrid infrastructure - including security features and management.

Overview of other Microsoft server applications and components that can be used with Windows Server 2016 Datacenter

The following overview provides a selection of server applications and components available with Windows Server 2016 Datacenter edition; these can be installed using the Server-Manager or PowerShell.

Applications, including:

Microsoft SQL Server: Version 2016, 2014 to 2012
Microsoft System Center: Virtual Machine Manager 2016, Data Protection Manager 2016, Operations Manager 2016
Configuration Manager (1606)
SharePoint-Server 2016
Exchange Server 2016
Project Server 2016
Host Integration Server 2016
Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2017
Skype for Business Server 2015 and
BizTalk Server 2016

Selection of supported components:

.NET Framework 4.6 and 3.5
PowerShell
BitLocker drive encryption as well as network unlocking
BranchCache
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
Client for NFS (Network File System)
Failover cluster
Group Policy Management

Minimum software and hardware requirements for installing and operating Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Edition

To ensure the smooth operation of Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Edition, the hardware used must meet the minimum requirements listed below. Additional requirements depend on the system configuration or other installed applications.

Disk space Hard disk: 32 GB
Working memory (RAM): 512 MB
Installation with Desktop display: 2 GB
System partition: 32 GB
Processor: 64 Bit
Processor speed: 1.4 GHz
Graphics card: 1,024 x 768 pixels, Super VGA
Network card: 1 Ethernet adapter with minimum throughput in the Gigabit range 1x

Server-Licensing with a Windows Server 2016 Datacenter 16-Core Package

When licensing a server with used software from Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Edition, the usual prescribed Microsoft licensing requirements must be followed. At least one 16-Core Package is required for each basic server licensing, and the guidelines listed below must be followed.

Provisions of the Microsoft License Guide for licensing Windows Server 2016

With the release of the Windows Server 2016 version, Microsoft has also updated its licensing model from the ground up. Now the licensing of a server with the Datacenter edition is based on the number of cores of the physical hardware used. The following rules apply:

A single Server license covers 2 physical processor cores.
A minimum number of 8 cores Pro processor is always applied - even if the existing hardware has less than 8 cores.
Pro physical Server processors, the minimum number of processors is always 2.
Consequently, there is always a minimum number of 16 cores, which are licensed with a corresponding 16-Core package.
If a Server has more than 16 cores, these can be additionally licensed with 2-Core packages.
In addition, it is required that each Client - whether User or endpoint - is also equipped with a valid client access license (CAL) to access the Windows Server 2016 Datacenter. User and Device CALs for Windows Server 2016 are also available from Softwarehandel24 as used software.

In addition, Windows Server version 2016 includes a downgrade right for the use of corresponding older Windows Server versions.

Rights of use of Windows Server 2016 Datacenter in a virtual operating system environment

In the Datacenter edition of Windows Server 2016 instances, 1 running instance can be operated in a physical operating system environment - whereas in a virtual operating system environment there is an unlimited number of instances.

Provided that all physical cores of a Server have been licensed, the Datacenter edition of Windows Server 2016 includes unlimited virtualization rights: consequently, any number of operating system environments and any number of Hyper-V containers may be run on the licensed Server.

FAQs about Softwarehandel24 Used software Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Edition as

Generally, unlike hardware, software does not wear out, and with Used Software from Softwarehandel24 you can be sure that it offers the same functionalities and also rights as a new server license. Therefore, Server cores can be licensed with a used 16-Core package from Windows Server 2016 Datacenter in the same way as with a new one. Answers to all other common questions regarding the features and usage rights of used Windows server licenses can be found here:

Are there any legal issues with selling or buying as well as using a Microsoft used software such as the Windows Server 2016 16-Core Package?

With used software Softwarehandel24 you as a customer can be sure that neither the purchase of a Windows Server 2016 Datacenter 16-Core Package nor its official use does not violate any valid laws. Current case law permits both the trade in Microsoft Used Software and its use if it originates from a company's license inventory, as is the case with Softwarehandel24 Used Software. Various court rulings have also clearly confirmed this fact time and again.

Where does the used software at Softwarehandel24 come from in the Windows Server 2016 Datacenter 16-Core Package?

The 16-Core Packages offered at Softwarehandel24 for Windows Server 2016 Datacenter originate, as already explained above, from various companies that have usually purchased the software new themselves and have usually actually used it, and later sold it to Softwarehandel24. Common reasons for selling are switching to a newer software version or using Server hardware with fewer cores, resulting in excess Server licenses. 16-Core packages are always offered as used software in the Softwarehandel24 store, even if they are unused and can be used like a new license.

Is there buyer security with used software from Windows Server 2016 Datacenter?

The Windows Server 2016 Datacenter 16-Core package or any other Softwarehandel24 used software offers you as a customer the usual buyer security - on the one hand by immediate download of the software package after the completed payment process and on the other hand by immediate license activation with the valid license Key - just as with new software.

Does Used Software from Softwarehandel24 have another advantage?

Yes, and there are several: First of all, Softwarehandel24 customers benefit from the lower price when purchasing used software; this allows companies or organizations to either supplement or update their software inventory more economically than with new software. Secondly, older Microsoft Server programs are rarely or never offered new, which becomes a problem when supplementary licensing is required to avoid upgrades. Used software from Softwarehandel24 can thus also contribute to lowering operating costs, as it also offers audit security due to the complete record of all buyers!

In the Softwarehandel24 software store you will therefore not only find the 16-Core package of the Windows Server 2016 Datacenter edition, but also the 16-Core package for other editions as well as newer Windows Server versions, as well as 2-Core packages for the basic licensing of your Windows server. If you want to use the latest Microsoft technologies for virtualization, then you can go for the higher Windows Server 2019 Datacenter Edition, which is also available used at Softwarehandel24. In addition you will find in our used software portfolio also the absolutely necessary client access licenses (CALs) - besides many other Microsoft programs - with all mentioned Softwarehandel24 advantages. If you have any questions regarding your correct licensing of Windows Server 2016 Datacenter with 16-Core packages, simply use our competent advice in the chat or by e-mail or telephone.

MICROSOFT WINDOWS SERVER 2016 DATACENTER 2-CORE