A few years ago, Microsoft switched from per-processor to per-core licensing in SQL Server, and it’s about to do the same with Windows Server 2016. You may not be thrilled with the results.

“Microsoft’s auditors likely will have a field day with these new requirements for Windows Server, in the same way that they have used the ever-more-complex licensing rules for SQL Server to increase the company’s audit-based revenue in recent years,” warned Christopher Barnett, an associate attorney with Scott & Scott LLP.

Currently, each Windows Server license allows for use of the software on up to two physical processors. Beyond the first license, there’s no minimum number that must be purchased per server.

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