I was asked about comparing Standard to Essentials 2012 R2. Now days since you can install the Essentials role in R2 the feature set is much more blurred…
What isn’t blurred in the RDS/Windows Cal problem. When you deploy the Essentials SKU you don’t need RDS or Windows Server cals.
When you deploy the Essentials ROLE – you’ll need both RDS cals and Windows cals.
|
Feature |
Included in Essentials 2012 R2 SKU |
Included in Standard 2012 R2 |
|
Remote Web Access |
Yes |
In the Essentials Role |
|
Need RDS cals to use RWA |
No (Only for the SKU – if you downgrade from standard you’ll still need RDS cals and Windows Cals) |
Yes |
|
Need Windows Standard cals |
No |
Yes |
|
Office 365 password sync |
Yes |
In the Essentials role |
|
Price |
$500 |
$800 |
|
HyperV |
Kinda – there’s an OEM HyperV option but you can only virtualize Essentials with no rights for Guests |
1+2 HyperV rights |
|
User wizard |
Yes |
Only in the Essentials role |
|
Client backup |
Yes |
Only in the Essentials role |
|
Max users |
25 – cals unneeded |
You need to buy cals |
|
Can transmog from Essentials up to Standard |
Yes |
n.a. |
|
Can run Work Folders |
Not at the same time on Essentials |
Not at the same time with the Essentials SKU |
|
Includes Exchange |
No |
No |
|
Can support Exchange on a member server |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Can support Office 365 |
Yes |
Yes |
Um….so….If you don’t need extra VM’s, don’t buy Standard. Save the difference in price, AND the cost of CAL’s. The limited VM support in Essentials is just there for the migration features.
Is that about right?
Quick refresher questions about Standard/Datacenter: Can you install the Essentials role on multiple servers on the same domain? Are there any client management limitations with Standard/Datacenter running the Essentials role i.e. can only manage 25 PC’s via the Dashboard, etc.?
Is 2012 Essentials R2 out yet? Does anyone have a SKU or part number?