Here is a table summarizing the main differences between Windows Server Standard and Datacenter and the explanations of the features!1.) ... Table with the main differences!
|
| characteristic | Windows Server 2012 | Windows Server Data Center |
|---|---|---|
| Virtualization | Up to 2 VMs per license | Unlimited VMs |
| Storage space deduplication | Restricted (e.g. only VDI) | Comprehensive deduplication |
| Software Defined Networking (SDN) | Basic functions | Full SDN support |
| Storage Spaces Direct | Unsupported | Supports |
| StorageReplica | One volume up to 2 TB | Unlimited volumes |
| Shielded Virtual Machines | Unsupported | Supports |
| HostGuardian Hyper-V Support | Unsupported | Supports |
| Automation and management | Basic functions | Advanced features (e.g. System Center) |
| Hybrid cloud integration | Basic integration | Advanced integration |
| Licensing and price | Cheaper, for small/medium environments | More expensive, for large, heavily virtualized environments |
| Containers Support | Unlimited Windows containers, 2 Hyper-V containers | Unlimited Windows and Hyper-V containers |
2.) Explanations of the features
1. Virtualization
: The Standard edition allows only two virtual machines (VMs) per license. Additional licenses are required for additional VMs. The Datacenter edition allows unlimited VMs, making it ideal for highly virtualized environments.
2. Storage Space Deduplication
: The Standard edition supports deduplication only for specific scenarios, such as VDI. The Datacenter edition offers comprehensive deduplication capabilities for all storage requirements.
3. Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
: The Standard edition offers basic networking capabilities, while the Datacenter edition offers full SDN support to manage and configure networks at the software level.
4. Storage Spaces Direct
: A feature only available in the Datacenter edition that enables creating highly available and scalable storage solutions.
5. Storage Replica
: Limited in the Standard edition (one volume up to 2 TB), the Datacenter edition offers full capabilities to replicate data between sites.
6. Shielded Virtual Machines
: Available in the Datacenter edition, this feature provides additional protection for virtual machines by protecting against unauthorized access and modifications.
7. Host Guardian Hyper-V Support
: Only the Datacenter edition supports the Host Guardian service, which is used for managing Shielded VMs and securing Hyper-V hosts.
8. Automation and Management
: The Standard edition offers basic management and automation features, while the Datacenter edition offers advanced tools and capabilities for managing large and complex data centers.
9. Hybrid Cloud Integration
: The Standard edition offers basic capabilities to integrate with hybrid cloud environments, while the Datacenter edition offers richer and deeper integration capabilities.
10. Licensing and Price
: The Standard edition is less expensive and is suitable for smaller or less heavily virtualized environments. The Datacenter edition is more expensive but offers more comprehensive features and is ideal for large organizations with intensive virtualization needs.
11. Container Support
: Both editions support an unlimited number of Windows containers, but only the Datacenter edition allows unlimited Hyper-V containers, which offers greater flexibility in managing container-based applications.
This table is intended to help you better understand the differences and possible uses of the two Windows Server editions and to make an informed decision for your specific requirements.
FAQ 1: Updated on: 16 June 2024 06:13
