Designed for businesses that demand the highest levels of reliability, scalability, and large-scale virtualization, Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems enables mission-critical solutions for databases and line-of-business and customer applications. Its unlimited virtualization rights allow for server consolidation on the Itanium platform.
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems is available through Volume Licensing agreements from Microsoft resellers and account managers, as well as through original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Servers equipped with the optional Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program are only available through OEMs.
Licensing Model
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems is licensed by the processor plus Windows Server Client Access Licenses (CALs). Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems can be purchased through Volume Licensing directly from Microsoft or preinstalled on servers when you buy them from OEMs. The Datacenter High Availability Program is only available through OEMs.
The maximum server license is 64 processors, although 128-way systems can be licensed for 128 processors if partitioned into configurations with at most 64 processors per partition.
Note that partitioning is supported logically at a licensing level and physical level. In other words, you are not required to obtain more licenses than the total number of processors on that server. You are entitled to have multiple copies of Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems on a single machine.
Unlimited Virtualization Rights
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems licenses include unlimited virtualization rights, meaning customers have the use rights to run an unlimited number of virtualized instances of Windows Server on processors licensed with Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems without purchasing additional licenses. The use rights apply to any virtualization technology or host operating system, although they may need to be acquired, licensed, and supported separately from third-parties.
The unlimited virtualization rights significantly simplify the licensing of Windows Server for large-scale virtualization and make it more affordable for enterprises to consolidate on the Windows Server Platform.
Maintenance
In addition to more software licensing options, Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems has Software Assurance as an option for upgrades and maintenance.
Software Assurance
Microsoft Software Assurance, a maintenance offer that can be purchased for a specific period of time, helps your organization get the most from Microsoft software through a broad range of benefits, including product support and software upgrades. Datacenter Edition licenses covered by Software Assurance will receive the upgrade to Windows Server 2008 For Itanium-Based Systems and future versions at no additional cost when the versions are released while the licenses have active Software Assurance coverage.
Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program
The Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program has a unique support and services model built for customers with mission critical server requirements and consists of the following components:
Windows Server 2008 Datacenter, Enterprise, or for Itanium-Based Systems pre-installed
Qualified Datacenter Configurations that have been tested and shown to be highly reliable
Change management and control processes
High Availability Support Program to ensure maximum uptime for their applications.
Servers with the Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program option have been found in a study to have 99.996% planned uptime.
Note: Software Assurance is available only through Volume Licensing agreements but may be added to OEM licenses within 90 days of purchase.
Pricing
The estimated retail price for Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems is $2999 per processor. Pricing information for the Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program is available through your qualified OEM.
