Microsoft's Azure Hybrid Benefit helps you get more value from your Windows Server licenses and save up to 40% on virtual machines in Azure.
When building or deploying Windows Server VMs in Azure, you can only apply Azure Hybrid Benefits to a VM if one of the following is true:
You have purchased Windows Server Standard or Datacenter (per-core) licenses that include Software Assurance. Evolve IP does not sell these types of licenses.
You have purchased Windows Server Standard or Datacenter (per-core) subscription licenses from a Microsoft CSP partner like Evolve IP.
Windows Server Licensing Rules in Azure
When bringing your own licenses, the licenses must have Software Assurance
You can purchase new licenses from a Microsoft CSP partner like Evolve IP
You must license all virtual cores in the VM
There is a minimum 8 Core licenses per VM
License types must match deployed editions (Standard or Datacenter)
Windows Server perpetual licenses are not supported in Azure
CALs are not required when VMs are hosted in Azure
While migrating to Azure there is 180-day period when licenses may be assigned to both on-premises hardware and Azure
Purchasing Windows Server Per-Core Subscription Licenses
Evolve IP sells Windows Server (Standard or Datacenter) 8-Core subscription license packs via Microsoft's CSP partner program.
Each subscription license pack can be purchased for 1-year or 3-year terms, and are billed monthly.
Microsoft does not allow the subscription license packs to be cancelled or transferred to other Microsoft CSP partners.
Windows Server Images in Azure
Microsoft does not provide any pre-configured Windows Server Standard images in Azure. Microsoft only provides pre-configured Windows Server Datacenter images.
To run Windows Server Standard in Azure:
A custom image is created with Windows Server Standard, and is used to deploy new VMs in Azure. Evolve IP does not provide this service.
Or an existing VM running Windows Server Standard is migrated (lift & shift) to Azure.
Check a VM's Configuration Properties in the Azure Portal
Search for the VM & click on the VM name
In the left menu, select Configuration
Note the current licensing configuration
When Building a New Virtual Machine in the Azure Portal
You will be prompted to use an existing Windows Server license.
Do not tick the box unless one of the following is true:
You have purchased Windows Server Standard or Datacenter (per-core) licenses that include Software Assurance. Evolve IP does not sell these types of licenses.
You have purchased Windows Server Standard or Datacenter (per-core) subscription licenses from a Microsoft CSP partner like Evolve IP.