Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Datacenter Edition (Includes Software Assurance)

Microsoft Windows Server 2012 is a server operating system that enables a computer to handle network roles such as print server, domain controller, web server, and file server. As a server operating system, it is also the platform for separately acquired server applications such as Microsoft Exchange Server or Microsoft SQL Server. The Datacenter Edition is designed for organisations with large workloads and heavily virtualized server environments.

This donation provides one Datacenter Edition server license. Each licence allows up to two physical processors on one server and an unlimited number of virtual instances of the server software. For additional licensing information, see below.

Benefits for Organisations

If you have system administration experience, you can use Microsoft Windows Server to:

• Run multiple server roles and different operating systems on a single server
• Reduce the amount of hardware needed to run server workloads
• Minimise the time it takes to set up hardware and software and reproduce test environments

Major Capabilities

• Server virtualisation: Hyper-V provides tools for creating and managing a virtualised server computing environment. Hyper-V Replica can replicate a virtual machine from one location to another, without shared storage, providing enhanced disaster recovery and high availability.
• Server management: The Server Core provides a minimal environment for running specific server roles. These roles are then easier to maintain and manage and less exposed to attack. These roles include Active Directory and related services, DHCP, DNS, File Services, Hyper-V, Print Services, Streaming Media Services, and Web Server (IIS).
• Integrated services: Microsoft Windows Server 2012 delivers a unified platform for web publishing that integrates IIS, ASP.NET, and Windows Communication Foundation and also supports SharePoint Services.
• Failover clustering: Administrators can minimize disruptions of services and applications by creating a redundant server environment with dynamic hardware partitioning.
• Application Server: This server role provides an integrated environment for deploying and running custom business applications built with Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.
• DirectAccess: This secure tunneling feature allows access to the network from any computer or device. It is faster than typical VPN connections and provides off-site access to file shares, on-premises equipment, and other resources.

Licencing

The Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server both use processor-based licencing, with each license allowing up to two physical processors.

The two editions have identical features, but they differ in the number of virtual instances of the server software you are allowed to run.

Obtaining This Product

Installing this product requires installation media and a license key. The licence key allows you to use the installation media to install the product on as many computers as you have received licenses for.

Expect three emails:

1.     When your donation request has been approved, Connecting Up will send a message to your organisation email address confirming the number of licenses you have requested.

2.     Microsoft will send an email welcoming your organization to the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).

3.     Connecting Up will send an email with information about managing your donation at the VLSC. If you are new to the VLSC, you should wait for this email before you register there.

Software Assurance

Under the Software Assurance program, you have the right to install any new release of products covered in the agreement during the term of your coverage.