Windows Server 2022 offers multi-layer security, hybrid capabilities with Azure, and a flexible application platform. It has inbuilt secure core capabilities to help protect hardware, firmware, and Windows Server OS capabilities against advanced security threats. The servers are based on technologies such as Windows Defender System Guard and Virtualization-based Security to reduce risk from firmware vulnerabilities and advanced malware.
As with client Windows editions, Windows Server is also available in different editions. The Windows Server is an operating system designed for managing and controlling the networking infrastructure around it. Each edition is tailored to a particular audience, providing them with a unique set of tools and features to manage their environment more effectively. Aside from that, they are designed to fit the needs of organizations of varying sizes.
Microsoft’s Windows Server 2022 is available on the market for quite some time now. The edition also comes in different variants. Due to the price difference between the variants, it is imperative to understand what the differences are exactly.
In this article, we will compare Windows Server 2022 Standard with Windows Server 2022 Datacentre and explain the differences between the two.
Windows Server 2022 Standard:
Microsoft’s Windows Server 2022 Standard is the ‘basic version’ of the operating system. The Server Standard edition is based on Client Access License (CAL) requirements, which is a commercial software license that permits multiple client computers to access the server software. With a single Standard license, it allows you to run two Operating System Environments (OSEs) on top of itself, as well as a Hyper-V host. To run more virtual machines (VMs), you will need to purchase more licenses. The software is mainly developed for small to medium-sized businesses or for organisations that do not need things like Host Guardian Hyper-V support.
It can also be integrated with the Azure cloud and managed accordingly, creating a centralised environment. Also, it is possible to synchronise file servers and share data across your organisation.
Windows Server 2022 Standard includes:
- Basic Windows Server 2022 functionalities
- Two virtual machines (VMs), one Hyper-V host, and two Virtual OSE containers/Hyper-V isolated containers.
- Storage replica is available (one partnership and one resource group with a single 2TB volume).
Windows Server 2022 Datacentre:
Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Datacentre is designed for highly virtualised workplaces such as data centres and cloud environments, it allows you to place an infinite number of virtual machines (VMs) on the same physical host. Furthermore, the system also provides new layers of security and a variety of features and technologies that improve efficiency and satisfaction and how you conduct your business. In addition, Windows Server Datacentre requires client access licenses (CALs) to access the server.
Datacentre edition includes a Network Controller, which is a unique feature. With this tool, you can monitor, manage, control, and troubleshoot your virtualised network, and even automate a number of tasks. It also includes Host Guardian Hyper-V Support that makes managing virtual machines easier while keeping them secure. In comparison with all the other Server editions, the Datacentre edition is considered to be the most cost-effective and scalable software-based datacentre solution.
Windows Server 2022 Datacentre includes:
- Basic Windows Server 2022 Features
- Infinite amount of Virtual Machines (VMs) plus one Hyper-V host per licensealong with unlimited Virtual OSE/Hyper-V isolated Containers.
- Software Defined Networking
- Unlimited Storage Replica
- Storage Spaces Direct
- Host Guardian Hyper-V Support
- Shielded Virtual Machines
Datacentre and Standard Windows Server 2022 differences:
Above, we discussed some of the fundamental differences between Standard and Datacentre. We will describe each difference in detail below.
- Virtual Machines: Windows Server 2022 Standard edition has two virtual machines (VMs), while the Datacentre edition has a finite number of VMs.
- Software-defined Networking: It makes it possible to configure networks more efficiently to improve monitoring and network performance. Only Windows Server 2022 Datacentre offers software-defined networking.
- Storage Replica: The application provides additional capabilities related to disaster recovery. The option is only available in Windows Server Datacentre.
- Storage Spaces Direct: It is only available in the Datacentre version, and allows you to optimise your server’s internal storage.
- Host Guardian Hyper-V Support: Only available in the Datacentre edition, it allows you to configure monitored hosts and shielded VMs.
- Shielded Virtual Machines: Shielded virtual machines are only available in Windows Server 2022 Datacentre.
Windows Server 2022 Standard vs. Datacentre: comparison table:
| Windows Server Standard Edition | Windows Server Datacentre Edition | |
| Basic functionality of Windows Server | Yes | Yes |
| Integration with Azure | Yes | Yes |
| Hyper-Converged Infrastructure | No | Yes |
| Hyper-V/OSEs (operating system environments) containers | 2 per license | Unlimited |
| Windows Server containers | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| HGS (Host Guardian Service) | Yes | Yes |
| Host Guardian Hyper-V Support | No | Yes |
| Storage replica | Yes (up to 2 TB of volume) | Yes |
| Shielded Virtual Machines (VMs) | No | Yes |
| Software-defined networking/storage | No | Yes |
Conclusion of Windows Server 2022 Standard vs Datacentre:
The conclusion is that Datacentre is capable of offering a greater variety of features than Standard. This is, of course, accompanied by a higher price. The Standard version is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses, whereas the Datacentre version is best suited for medium-sized to big enterprises.