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.