Windows Server Datacenter has always been the solution primarily aimed at large companies and enterprises with an increased need for virtual environments. Windows Server 2019 Datacenter changes nothing about this tradition, as Microsoft again provides unrestricted virtualization rights and complements them with additional features such as Shielded VMs for Linux.

Licensing of Windows Server 2019 Datacenter

Datacenter uses a dual licensing system. Consequently, the first licensing tier depends on the hardware, which in jargon is referred to as "core licensing". In addition, user or device CALs must optionally be purchased, which register users or devices for using the server. Which of the two solutions is best for you depends on your internal infrastructure. User CALs do not care which device the registered user accesses the server from, whereas with device CALs it does not matter which users access a registered device. Consider which of the two solutions offers you more benefits and/or follow your previous licensing.

New features and optimizations for Windows Server 2019 Datacenter

Microsoft has - hardly surprising - revised and expanded the server operating system in some areas. Among other things, the interfaces to the Azure cloud solution have been significantly improved and intensified to enable smooth interaction in a modern infrastructure. At the same time, container support has been optimized and the server equipped with many new, proven and enhanced security features - also specifically for Linux.

Thanks to the perfectly coordinated interaction with the Azure cloud, the following options are available:

• Backups in Azure
• Advanced migration services to store data
• Fast and easy connectivity with virtual Azure networks
• Recovery integration

The server operating system's security standards have also been improved by encrypted subnets, protected VMs for Linux and Windows Defender with Advanced Threat Protection and Exploit Guard. With these integrated software solutions, even large companies and corporations should benefit from particularly high server security. This is supported by Privileged Identity Management features.