Windows Server 2008 Datacenter Edition (Includes Software Assurance) (English)

The Windows Server 2008 server operating system enables a network server to handle a diverse set of roles — such as print server, domain controller, web server, and file server — and to be the platform for separately acquired server applications — such as Exchange Server or SQL Server.

The Datacenter Edition is optimized for large-scale virtualization; its license allows one server to run an unlimited number of Windows Server instances. It is scalable to 2 TB of RAM and 64 processors. It serves the needs of organizations with large workloads, such as databases or enterprise resource planning. For other needs, see the related products below.

The R2 version updates the Hyper-V virtualization environment, improves power management, enables remote connectivity without a VPN, and adds features designed specifically to work with client computers running Windows 7.

Service Pack 1 enhances Hyper-V to use physical memory more efficiently, improves the visual capabilities of remote desktop clients, and adds support for more addresses when using DirectAccess to securely access enterprise shares.

Here are some notable features of this product:

• Hyper-V provides tools for creating and managing a virtualized server computing environment, allowing organizations to reduce the amount of hardware needed to run server workloads, to reduce the amount of time it takes to set up hardware and software and reproduce test environments, and to run different operating systems on a single server.
• The Datacenter Edition supports a virtually unlimited number of virtual private network (VPN) connections and authentication of a virtually unlimited number of network access service and network policy server connections.
• Failover clustering and dynamic hardware partitioning minimize disruptions of services and applications.
• Application Server is a new server role in Windows Server 2008. Application Server provides an integrated environment for deploying and running custom business applications that are built with Microsoft .NET Framework version 3.5.

Important: The R2 version requires a 64-bit system. Organizations that want to run Windows Server 2008 on a 32-bit system can receive a donation of this product and then obtain the older SP2 version from Microsoft, either by downloading or by purchasing the DVD-ROM.

Acquiring the Installation Media and License Key: Installing this product requires installation media and a license key. Installation media will be shipped to you free of charge.

The license allows you to use the installation media to install the product on as many computers as you have received donations for. This quantity is specified in the donation email sent to your organization email address after your eligibility has been verified and your administrative fee has been received. A separate email will give you information about obtaining your license key.

Software Assurance: Under the Software Assurance program, you have the right to install any new release of products covered in the agreement during the term of your coverage.