Windows 2008 DataCentre and VMWare licensing

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HybridStudio

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Can I run Windows Server 2008 datacenter on vmware virtual server enterprise
and benefit from unlimited virtual machines?

I don't want to use Hyper-V
 
Re: Windows 2008 DataCentre and VMWare licensing

Hello HybridStudio,

Would be nice, but licensing is easy this way, one server installation, one
license, doesn't matter if VM or physical machine.

Best regards

Meinolf Weber
Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no rights.
** Please do NOT email, only reply to Newsgroups
** HELP us help YOU!!! http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

> Can I run Windows Server 2008 datacenter on vmware virtual server
> enterprise and benefit from unlimited virtual machines?
>
> I don't want to use Hyper-V
>
 
Windows 2008 DataCentre and VMWare licensing

But datacentre allows unlimited virtual machines in its licensing and
enterprise allows 4 instances on the same box.

Perhaps if i rephrase my question to Does Windows Server 2008 Datacentre
require you to use Hyper-V to benefit from unlimited virtual machine
licensing or can a third party virtualisation technology be used?
 
Re: Windows 2008 DataCentre and VMWare licensing

Hello HybridStudio,

Seems that my first reply wasn't correct. Have a look here about datacenter
licensing:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/licensing-faq.aspx#webdata\

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=3383969&SiteID=17

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/howtobuy/licensing/calculator.mspx

Best regards

Meinolf Weber
Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no rights.
** Please do NOT email, only reply to Newsgroups
** HELP us help YOU!!! http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

> But datacentre allows unlimited virtual machines in its licensing and
> enterprise allows 4 instances on the same box.
>
> Perhaps if i rephrase my question to Does Windows Server 2008
> Datacentre require you to use Hyper-V to benefit from unlimited
> virtual machine licensing or can a third party virtualisation
> technology be used?
>
 
Re: Windows 2008 DataCentre and VMWare licensing

Hello HybridStudio,

Especially check out the last link about the Windows Server Virtualization
Calculators


Best regards

Meinolf Weber
Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no rights.
** Please do NOT email, only reply to Newsgroups
** HELP us help YOU!!! http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

> But datacentre allows unlimited virtual machines in its licensing and
> enterprise allows 4 instances on the same box.
>
> Perhaps if i rephrase my question to Does Windows Server 2008
> Datacentre require you to use Hyper-V to benefit from unlimited
> virtual machine licensing or can a third party virtualisation
> technology be used?
>
 
Re: Windows 2008 DataCentre and VMWare licensing

In message <16EC49A1-6D59-437D-9096-CB5669E23118@microsoft.com>
HybridStudio <HybridStudio@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>Can I run Windows Server 2008 datacenter on vmware virtual server enterprise
>and benefit from unlimited virtual machines?

From what I can tell, and from what Microsoft licensing told me when I
inquired about 2003 datacenter, the particular VM technology doesn't
matter.

I don't see anything in the 2008 license that requires a specific VM
technology either, but I might have missed it -- Call Microsoft to
confirm.

>I don't want to use Hyper-V

Mind if I ask why not? I've been very impressed by Hyper-V RC in the
lab, and plan on rolling out a semi-live installation this week to give
it some real world testing.

So far, Hyper-V has blown VMWare out of the water internally.
 
Re: Windows 2008 DataCentre and VMWare licensing

"DevilsPGD" wrote:

> So far, Hyper-V has blown VMWare out of the water internally.

Mind if I ask what you mean by "blown out of the water?" Performance, ease
of use, something else? Our VMware ESX cluster is the only technology product
that I have ever had that works better than advertised. The ability to
dynamically load balance via VMotion is awesome -- over 2,000 transitions to
date -- and HyperV doesn't offer that. Add to that the ability to run
something besides Windows in the same cluster, consolidated backup, support
from 3rd parties such as SAN vendors, etc.

To me HyperV seems long on grandiose claims but short on delivery. On the
other hand, I am willing to entertain the notion that I missed something.
 
Re: Windows 2008 DataCentre and VMWare licensing

Hello.

Please excuse if it is not appropriate to continue discussion in this thread.

Do you think you could dissect another scenario:

3 node VMWare infrastructure Standard with HA, 2 nodes actively hosting
Windows virtual machines and the 3rd one empty, used for fail-over.

The 2 active nodes covered with Windows 2008 Datacenter licenses.


It is obvious that the 3rd one needs some kind of ms license coverage if it
is hosting Windows VMs. The vague point is - do we need to license the
third, stand-by host with an MS license if it is "empty", i.e. not serving
any virtual machines?

Thanks for you insight on this

Dmitrij

"DevilsPGD" wrote:

> In message <16EC49A1-6D59-437D-9096-CB5669E23118@microsoft.com>
> HybridStudio <HybridStudio@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
> >Can I run Windows Server 2008 datacenter on vmware virtual server enterprise
> >and benefit from unlimited virtual machines?
>
> From what I can tell, and from what Microsoft licensing told me when I
> inquired about 2003 datacenter, the particular VM technology doesn't
> matter.
>
> I don't see anything in the 2008 license that requires a specific VM
> technology either, but I might have missed it -- Call Microsoft to
> confirm.
>
> >I don't want to use Hyper-V
>
> Mind if I ask why not? I've been very impressed by Hyper-V RC in the
> lab, and plan on rolling out a semi-live installation this week to give
> it some real world testing.
>
> So far, Hyper-V has blown VMWare out of the water internally.
>
 
Re: Windows 2008 DataCentre and VMWare licensing

The licences are linked to Server 2008 Datacenter Edition. What you use
for virtualization does not matter. If the host is running Datacenter
Edition you can run as many instances of Windows Server as you like as
virtual machines on that host.

"Dmitrij Malakhov" <Dmitrij Malakhov@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message news:257BF18C-5FD1-48E9-AAEF-8D88E57DFD11@microsoft.com...
> Hello.
>
> Please excuse if it is not appropriate to continue discussion in this
> thread.
>
> Do you think you could dissect another scenario:
>
> 3 node VMWare infrastructure Standard with HA, 2 nodes actively hosting
> Windows virtual machines and the 3rd one empty, used for fail-over.
>
> The 2 active nodes covered with Windows 2008 Datacenter licenses.
>
>
> It is obvious that the 3rd one needs some kind of ms license coverage if
> it
> is hosting Windows VMs. The vague point is - do we need to license the
> third, stand-by host with an MS license if it is "empty", i.e. not serving
> any virtual machines?
>
> Thanks for you insight on this
>
> Dmitrij
>
> "DevilsPGD" wrote:
>
>> In message <16EC49A1-6D59-437D-9096-CB5669E23118@microsoft.com>
>> HybridStudio <HybridStudio@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>>
>> >Can I run Windows Server 2008 datacenter on vmware virtual server
>> >enterprise
>> >and benefit from unlimited virtual machines?
>>
>> From what I can tell, and from what Microsoft licensing told me when I
>> inquired about 2003 datacenter, the particular VM technology doesn't
>> matter.
>>
>> I don't see anything in the 2008 license that requires a specific VM
>> technology either, but I might have missed it -- Call Microsoft to
>> confirm.
>>
>> >I don't want to use Hyper-V
>>
>> Mind if I ask why not? I've been very impressed by Hyper-V RC in the
>> lab, and plan on rolling out a semi-live installation this week to give
>> it some real world testing.
>>
>> So far, Hyper-V has blown VMWare out of the water internally.
>>
 
Re: Windows 2008 DataCentre and VMWare licensing

Thank you for your prompt reply, Bill.

I am afraid I do not fully understand your answer. I am aware of the fact
that Datacenter Virtualization benefit is as valid for VMWare, Parallels as
for Hyper-V. What we are trying to clear up is if we have to buy Datacenter
license for the third, stand-by, VMWare host. The other two are covered with
such licenses.

"Bill Grant" wrote:

> The licences are linked to Server 2008 Datacenter Edition. What you use
> for virtualization does not matter. If the host is running Datacenter
> Edition you can run as many instances of Windows Server as you like as
> virtual machines on that host.
>
> "Dmitrij Malakhov" <Dmitrij Malakhov@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> message news:257BF18C-5FD1-48E9-AAEF-8D88E57DFD11@microsoft.com...
> > Hello.
> >
> > Please excuse if it is not appropriate to continue discussion in this
> > thread.
> >
> > Do you think you could dissect another scenario:
> >
> > 3 node VMWare infrastructure Standard with HA, 2 nodes actively hosting
> > Windows virtual machines and the 3rd one empty, used for fail-over.
> >
> > The 2 active nodes covered with Windows 2008 Datacenter licenses.
> >
> >
> > It is obvious that the 3rd one needs some kind of ms license coverage if
> > it
> > is hosting Windows VMs. The vague point is - do we need to license the
> > third, stand-by host with an MS license if it is "empty", i.e. not serving
> > any virtual machines?
> >
> > Thanks for you insight on this
> >
> > Dmitrij
> >
> > "DevilsPGD" wrote:
> >
> >> In message <16EC49A1-6D59-437D-9096-CB5669E23118@microsoft.com>
> >> HybridStudio <HybridStudio@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> >Can I run Windows Server 2008 datacenter on vmware virtual server
> >> >enterprise
> >> >and benefit from unlimited virtual machines?
> >>
> >> From what I can tell, and from what Microsoft licensing told me when I
> >> inquired about 2003 datacenter, the particular VM technology doesn't
> >> matter.
> >>
> >> I don't see anything in the 2008 license that requires a specific VM
> >> technology either, but I might have missed it -- Call Microsoft to
> >> confirm.
> >>
> >> >I don't want to use Hyper-V
> >>
> >> Mind if I ask why not? I've been very impressed by Hyper-V RC in the
> >> lab, and plan on rolling out a semi-live installation this week to give
> >> it some real world testing.
> >>
> >> So far, Hyper-V has blown VMWare out of the water internally.
> >>
>
 
Re: Windows 2008 DataCentre and VMWare licensing

You would need to talk to a Microsoft rep about that. Me guess would be
"Yes".

"Dmitrij Malakhov" <Dmitrij Malakhov@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message news:EEC59D1E-1D25-4134-8666-6369EB3E8678@microsoft.com...
> Thank you for your prompt reply, Bill.
>
> I am afraid I do not fully understand your answer. I am aware of the fact
> that Datacenter Virtualization benefit is as valid for VMWare, Parallels
> as
> for Hyper-V. What we are trying to clear up is if we have to buy
> Datacenter
> license for the third, stand-by, VMWare host. The other two are covered
> with
> such licenses.
>
> "Bill Grant" wrote:
>
>> The licences are linked to Server 2008 Datacenter Edition. What you
>> use
>> for virtualization does not matter. If the host is running Datacenter
>> Edition you can run as many instances of Windows Server as you like as
>> virtual machines on that host.
>>
>> "Dmitrij Malakhov" <Dmitrij Malakhov@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> message news:257BF18C-5FD1-48E9-AAEF-8D88E57DFD11@microsoft.com...
>> > Hello.
>> >
>> > Please excuse if it is not appropriate to continue discussion in this
>> > thread.
>> >
>> > Do you think you could dissect another scenario:
>> >
>> > 3 node VMWare infrastructure Standard with HA, 2 nodes actively hosting
>> > Windows virtual machines and the 3rd one empty, used for fail-over.
>> >
>> > The 2 active nodes covered with Windows 2008 Datacenter licenses.
>> >
>> >
>> > It is obvious that the 3rd one needs some kind of ms license coverage
>> > if
>> > it
>> > is hosting Windows VMs. The vague point is - do we need to license the
>> > third, stand-by host with an MS license if it is "empty", i.e. not
>> > serving
>> > any virtual machines?
>> >
>> > Thanks for you insight on this
>> >
>> > Dmitrij
>> >
>> > "DevilsPGD" wrote:
>> >
>> >> In message <16EC49A1-6D59-437D-9096-CB5669E23118@microsoft.com>
>> >> HybridStudio <HybridStudio@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>> >>
>> >> >Can I run Windows Server 2008 datacenter on vmware virtual server
>> >> >enterprise
>> >> >and benefit from unlimited virtual machines?
>> >>
>> >> From what I can tell, and from what Microsoft licensing told me when I
>> >> inquired about 2003 datacenter, the particular VM technology doesn't
>> >> matter.
>> >>
>> >> I don't see anything in the 2008 license that requires a specific VM
>> >> technology either, but I might have missed it -- Call Microsoft to
>> >> confirm.
>> >>
>> >> >I don't want to use Hyper-V
>> >>
>> >> Mind if I ask why not? I've been very impressed by Hyper-V RC in the
>> >> lab, and plan on rolling out a semi-live installation this week to
>> >> give
>> >> it some real world testing.
>> >>
>> >> So far, Hyper-V has blown VMWare out of the water internally.
>> >>
>>
 
Re: Windows 2008 DataCentre and VMWare licensing

Thanks again, Bill, I will try to arrange for this.

Best regards,

Dmitrij

"Bill Grant" wrote:

> You would need to talk to a Microsoft rep about that. Me guess would be
> "Yes".
>
> "Dmitrij Malakhov" <Dmitrij Malakhov@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> message news:EEC59D1E-1D25-4134-8666-6369EB3E8678@microsoft.com...
> > Thank you for your prompt reply, Bill.
> >
> > I am afraid I do not fully understand your answer. I am aware of the fact
> > that Datacenter Virtualization benefit is as valid for VMWare, Parallels
> > as
> > for Hyper-V. What we are trying to clear up is if we have to buy
> > Datacenter
> > license for the third, stand-by, VMWare host. The other two are covered
> > with
> > such licenses.
> >
> > "Bill Grant" wrote:
> >
> >> The licences are linked to Server 2008 Datacenter Edition. What you
> >> use
> >> for virtualization does not matter. If the host is running Datacenter
> >> Edition you can run as many instances of Windows Server as you like as
> >> virtual machines on that host.
> >>
> >> "Dmitrij Malakhov" <Dmitrij Malakhov@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> >> message news:257BF18C-5FD1-48E9-AAEF-8D88E57DFD11@microsoft.com...
> >> > Hello.
> >> >
> >> > Please excuse if it is not appropriate to continue discussion in this
> >> > thread.
> >> >
> >> > Do you think you could dissect another scenario:
> >> >
> >> > 3 node VMWare infrastructure Standard with HA, 2 nodes actively hosting
> >> > Windows virtual machines and the 3rd one empty, used for fail-over.
> >> >
> >> > The 2 active nodes covered with Windows 2008 Datacenter licenses.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > It is obvious that the 3rd one needs some kind of ms license coverage
> >> > if
> >> > it
> >> > is hosting Windows VMs. The vague point is - do we need to license the
> >> > third, stand-by host with an MS license if it is "empty", i.e. not
> >> > serving
> >> > any virtual machines?
> >> >
> >> > Thanks for you insight on this
> >> >
> >> > Dmitrij
> >> >
> >> > "DevilsPGD" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> In message <16EC49A1-6D59-437D-9096-CB5669E23118@microsoft.com>
> >> >> HybridStudio <HybridStudio@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >> >Can I run Windows Server 2008 datacenter on vmware virtual server
> >> >> >enterprise
> >> >> >and benefit from unlimited virtual machines?
> >> >>
> >> >> From what I can tell, and from what Microsoft licensing told me when I
> >> >> inquired about 2003 datacenter, the particular VM technology doesn't
> >> >> matter.
> >> >>
> >> >> I don't see anything in the 2008 license that requires a specific VM
> >> >> technology either, but I might have missed it -- Call Microsoft to
> >> >> confirm.
> >> >>
> >> >> >I don't want to use Hyper-V
> >> >>
> >> >> Mind if I ask why not? I've been very impressed by Hyper-V RC in the
> >> >> lab, and plan on rolling out a semi-live installation this week to
> >> >> give
> >> >> it some real world testing.
> >> >>
> >> >> So far, Hyper-V has blown VMWare out of the water internally.
> >> >>
> >>
>
 
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