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.