Windows Server 2019 - the most important new functions and features
Compared to the 2016 version of Windows Server, Windows Server 2019 offers a number of improvements and additions that take both security and virtualization capabilities to a new level.
The hybrid features integrated in the 2019 version of the server enable even greater integration and use of Microsoft Azure services in the local data center. Services such as Azure Backup, Azure Site Recovery, Azure Update Management and the Azure Network Adapter can now be used. The Azure network adapter offers the advantage of connecting a local server to a virtual Azure network in the Azure Cloud.
The following is an overview of the most important new services of Windows Server 2019:
Windows Server 2019 - Support of Kubernetes and extended support for Linux
The Windows Server 2019 platform supports containers or cubernets, just like the previous version. Now it is also possible to use Linux and Windows in parallel, which are managed with Kubernetes. Kubernetes has also been enhanced with new features such as Container Networking. Individual images for containers have also been improved. In addition, the container image "windows" was added, which has a greater range of functions than the previous images.
Windows Server 2019 - Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI)
HCI platforms are ideal for server and desktop virtualization, they are relatively easy to deploy, manage, and scale. Windows Server 2019 also offers new features compared to the 2016 version, which significantly simplify the complexity and deployment of IT infrastructures.
Windows Server 2019 - New services for Software Defined Networking (SDN)
Software Defined Networking also offers a number of improvements and additions in the 2019 version. New features include firewall monitoring and the ability to peer two networks while seamlessly connecting them. Encrypted Networks offers secure encryption of virtual networks using Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS), which prevents manipulation and eavesdropping attempts.
Windows Server 2019 - Analysis functions with System Insights
Windows Server 2019 provides predictive analytics capabilities with System Insights. Supported by a machine learning model, server system data such as performance values and events can be evaluated and precise predictions can be made to reduce the effort involved in the reactive management of Windows Server instances, for example during performance bottlenecks.
Windows Server 2019 - Increased security for sensitive data in Windows Server 2019
Threats to or protection of infrastructure and sensitive workloads are still a high priority for all modern enterprises. Windows Server 2019 now includes tools such as a domain controller and shielded VMs to help you do this. In addition, new features have been added to Windows Defender, such as Exploit Guard, which is part of Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) and enables the monitoring of access to the network and the documents and folders on it. In addition, Azure AD security features such as Azure AD Banned Passwords and Azure AD Password Protection enable the local Active Directory to be protected.
Additional functions that are only included in the 2019 Server Edition Datacenter are described in the following comparison.
Windows Server 2019 - Comparison between Windows Server 2019 Standard and Datacenter
Although the two server editions Standard and Datacenter have almost the same range of functions, they differ in the respective virtualization options. Which edition of Windows Server 2019 is most suitable in each case is thus mainly determined by the degree of virtualization that is operated in a company.
So there are some differences which influence the decision to buy a certain edition: For example, Hyper-V is severely limited in the Standard, as is the use of Storage Spaces Direct and storage replication, where only the Datacenter Edition offers the full range of services.
Windows Server 2019 Standard
Windows Server 2019 Standard is suitable for smaller and also larger companies that need more advanced functions. The support of an unlimited number of containers is included in the Standard. However, when using Hyper-V-Containers, you must ensure that only two containers are allowed, since the Standard only allows two virtual machines (VMs).
The Standard has a RAM limit of 24 TB and no CPU limit, with a minimum of 16 cores per server and 8 cores per processor.
Windows Server 2019 Datacenter
Windows Server 2019 Datacenter offers the broadest feature set of editions, with virtually unlimited virtualization rights, this version is ideal for the needs of organizations with large IT workloads and high virtualization.
As in the Standard, the RAM limit here is 24 TB and the number of cores is unlimited. However, the number of virtual machines and Hyper-V containers allowed is unlimited.
The most important different features between the server editions Standard and Datacenter are the following:
Windows Server 2019 - Shielded Virtual Machines (Shielded VM)
Shielded Virtual Machines enables the creation and protection of highly secure virtualization infrastructures. Shielded VM seals off virtual servers and prevents unauthorized persons from accessing and copying critical data from a VM that is swapped out to a public cloud, for example, and then running it on a third-party server. Shielded VM thus provides reliable protection against data misuse and theft.
Windows Server 2019 - Software Defined Networking
SDN - Software-Defined Networks - for Windows Server 2019 enables central configuration and dynamic management of physical network devices - such as routers and switches - as well as virtual ones - e.g. gateway.
Windows Server 2019 - Storage features
Storage Spaces Direct and Storage Replica
Depending on the server edition, Windows Server 2019 offers a different scope of storage functions, but only the Datacenter Edition supports all the relevant functions of Windows Server 2019. For example, the Standard does not have Storage Spaces Direct, but it does have Storage Replica.
Server 2019 - Storage Replica for Windows
Storage Replica in Windows Server 2019 minimizes downtime with Disaster Preparedness and prevents data loss at the file system level. Both synchronous and asynchronous replication are supported by the storage replica: With synchronous replication, Storage Replica mirrors data at physical locations with fail-safe volumes, while with asynchronous replication, data between locations is mirrored with higher latency using network links.
Server 2019 - Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) - only in data center servers
With Storage Spaces Direct, the local data storage of servers can be combined into a virtual cluster. In this cluster, the nodes have different physical disks, which can also be different disk systems. The communication between the individual volumes is carried out using the SMB protocol. S2D not only simplifies the setup and administration of Software-Defined Storage-Systems (SDS), but also enables the setup of scalable and highly available storage systems.
Server 2019 - Minimum hardware requirements for Windows Server 2019
The following minimum requirements are necessary to ensure the secure, trouble-free operation of Windows Server 2019. The actual requirements depend on the respective system configuration and installed applications.
RAM: 512 MB
2 GB for servers with installation option "Desktop view
Hard disk space: 32 GB
Required processor speed: 1.4 GHz with 64Bit
Graphics card with support for Super VGA: 1,024 x 768 Px
Windows Server 2019 Standard and Datacenter licensing
Microsoft offers the licensing model for the Windows Server Editions 2019 Standard and Datacenter exclusively via the number of cores. As with the previous version 2016, the pro-core licensing introduced by Microsoft is based on two CPU cores as the minimum unit. In addition to the hardware (core license), the clients accessing Windows Server 2019 must also be licensed (CALs).
How does the core licensing of Windows Server 2019 work?
The licensing of Windows Server 2019 always depends on the physical hardware. Each license covers two physical processor cores. Both Windows Server 2019 Standard Edition and Datacenter Edition are licensed based on the number of processor cores of the physical server on which the server operating system is to be installed.
According to Microsoft's license terms, there is a minimum of 8 cores per processor, regardless of the actual number of cores, which may be lower. Thus, when licensing a server with 2 processors, a minimum of 16 cores is charged, so that 8 2-license packages are required.
Additional license terms for Windows Server 2019
Each Standard licensed with Windows Server 2019 is entitled to run a maximum of two Hyper-V instances per core license. However, if more Hyper-V instances are required in the Standard Edition, all active cores must be re-licensed.
In the Windows Server 2019 Datacenter version, however, there is no limitation regarding the VMs. The prerequisite is that all processor cores of the server are licensed.
A server licensed for 16 cores can run a maximum of 2 Windows. A 32 core license is then required to run 3 Windows. However, no additional license is required for Linux instances.
Buy Windows Server 2019 editions cheap at Wiresoft
Windows Server 2019 editions are available from Wiresoft in the Standard and Datacenter editions. Depending on whether you want to supplement existing licenses of Windows Server 2019 or license your servers with the new edition, you can choose between 2-core additional licenses or individual volume licenses from 16-core packages for the Standard and Datacenter editions. Wiresoft offers favorable unused licenses from companies that are purchased legally.
When purchasing Windows Server 2019 licenses from Wiresoft, you will thus only receive unused original licenses, which come from European companies and are therefore compatible. They have been thoroughly checked by Wiresoft for authenticity and perfect functionality. Many satisfied Wiresoft customers confirm this. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your licensing needs for the Windows Server Editions 2019 Standard and Datacenter.