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Windows Server 2016 Launches in September; Free License for VMWare Users Who Migrate
Microsoft wants to see VMWare users switch to Windows Server 2016 for their virtualization workload and they are offering free licenses in return for the migration.
2 Min Read
Back in July Microsoft announced their plans to launch Windows Server 2016 at their annual Microsoft Ignite Conference that is being held in Atlanta from 26 to 30 September 2016.
Along with this release, Microsoft has just shared the details of a deal that might just entice VMWare users to jump over to Windows Server 2016 for their virtualization
This offer will provide any customers who move from VMWare to Hyper-V on Windows Server 2016 a free license for Windows Server Datacenter as long as they purchase Windows Server Datacenter and Microsoft's Software Assurance plan.
Just for a refresher and background for what you should expect from Windows Server 2016.
First, it will come in three different versions or SKU's as Microsoft calls them:
Datacenter: This edition continues to deliver significant value for organizations that need unlimited virtualization along with powerful new features including Shielded Virtual Machines, software-defined storage and software-defined networking.
Standard: This edition is ideal for organizations that need limited virtualization but require a robust, general purpose server operating system.
Essentials: This edition is designed for smaller organizations with less than 50 users.
Second, Microsoft describes Windows Server 2016 as their cloud ready operating system and will give organizations the ability to accomplish these kinds of things:
Increase security and reduce business risk with multiple layers of protection built into the operating system.
Evolve your datacenter to save money and gain flexibility with software-defined datacenter technologies inspired by Microsoft Azure.
Innovate faster with an application platform optimized for the applications you run today, as well as the cloud-native apps of tomorrow.
In order to help organizations evaluate a possible migration to Windows Server 2016, Microsoft has released a new Total Cost of Ownership tool to help them compare the costs of running Windows Sever 2016 compared to their current system.
There is more information about the free license offer here (461KB, PDF, Direct Download link) for anyone who wants to learn more about it and that offer is valid from 01 September 2016 to 30 June 2017.
But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.
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