
Windows Licensing for Azure: How to Get It with Azure Hybrid Benefit
What is Windows Hybrid Use Benefit?
Microsoft has a relatively unknown benefit called Hybrid Use Benefit (HUB). If you already own Windows Servers with Software Assurance, you can use it to run workloads in Azure on Windows without paying for Windows in Azure. For those that license Windows Servers utilizing the Data Center version, you can continue to use that Windows Server to run on-premises workloads, as well as different workloads in Azure with the same license. This allows you to double the functionality of each Windows Server Data Center license!
A few important facts:
- Both versions of Windows Server - Standard and Datacenter - license with Software Assurance are eligible for the Hybrid Use Benefit
- A Windows Server Standard Edition license cannot be used simultaneously in on-premises deployments while utilizing Hybrid Use Benefit in Azure
- Windows Server Datacenter licenses can utilize the Hybrid Use Benefit and continue to be deployed in parallel on-premises
- All uses of HUB must be done by importing a customer’s image file into Azure
For Azure deployments of HUB, each eligible license has an entitlement to run Windows Server VM’s at the lower non-Windows VM rates. Through leveraging HUB, some deployments in Azure can offer end-customers a savings up to 50%.
Hybrid Use Benefit Sample - Full Time
Example scenario with customer running two D2v2 VMs using the Hybrid Use Benefit.
*EA Level D in USD, US East 2; full-time usage on demand
**Second Azure instance is included with Windows Server Standard Edition Software Assurance, EA level A
If you want to learn more about how Azure has leveraged this benefit, please follow these links:
- Microsoft Azure Hybrid Use Benefit Overview
- Azure for Microsoft software FAQAzure for Microsoft software FAQ
We look forward to explaining more about this benefit, and how it can save you money with your existing investments in Microsoft infrastructure. Contact Interlink today!
About the author
Matt Scherocman brings more than 25 years of experience in the information technology industry to Interlink Cloud Advisors. His experience includes both the system integrator and manufacturer sides of the business. During his time at the Microsoft Corporation, he was responsible for all the Large Account Reseller (LAR) relationships in the four state Heartland Area of Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Prior to Microsoft, Scherocman led a Cincinnati based IT consulting company to grow 5000% and become a Microsoft Worldwide Partner of the Year. He is actively involved in the strategic vision and operation decisions of the company including finance, selling strategy and marketing. Matt holds a Bachelor of Science in Business degree from Miami University and is a Certified Expert in Microsoft licensing including speaking engagements at both Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference and Channel Partner Summit. He is a frequent contributor to leading industry publications.
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