In This Article

Overview

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.





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