With the launch of System Center 2025, which will be globally available on November 1, 2024, Microsoft introduces several new features and changes to their datacenter management solution. This blog focuses primarily on the licensing aspects of this release, which are important for organizations using System Center.
New features in System Center 2025
- Management of Azure Stack HCI
System Center 2025 provides support for managing Azure Stack hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) 23H2 clusters through Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) and System Center Operations Manager 2025. This enables organizations to manage various infrastructures from a single management plane.
- Enhanced security
System Center 2025 includes improved security measures to protect operational, storage, and authentication mechanisms. This is essential for IT administrators responsible for securing sensitive data and systems.
- Support for Windows Server 2025 Arc-enabled capabilities
The new Arc-enabled capabilities of Windows Server 2025 are also supported, including Hotpatching for Arc-enabled System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM). This allows organizations to easily manage critical lifecycle operations, such as starting and stopping virtual machines.
Updates in pricing and licensing
With the introduction of System Center 2025, there are also significant changes in the pricing and licensing models. The price will increase by 10% compared to System Center 2022 across all commercial channels. This is a crucial change for organizations managing their IT budgets.
Licensing model
System Center 2025 is offered under a perpetual licensing model. The licensing structure for the Standard and Datacenter editions remains consistent with that of 2022. Here are some important points to consider:
- Licensing costs: Licenses are only required for the endpoints being managed. This helps organizations control costs and only pay for what they need.
- SQL Server: No additional licenses are required for customers using SQL Server Standard Edition. This can lead to significant savings for organizations that have already invested in this infrastructure.
- Core-Based licensing policy: The server management licensing policy is based on physical cores, ensuring consistency with the licensing model of Windows Server 2025. This makes it easier for organizations to plan and manage their licensing requirements.
About BeSharp Experts
As an independent consulting firm specializing in Microsoft licensing, BeSharp Experts focuses on providing objective advice that meets the needs of our clients. Our independent status allows us to give guidance without conflicts of interest. With over 15 years of experience in contract negotiations and software license optimization, we are here to help you maximize the value of your Microsoft software investments.
Do you have questions about the licensing aspects of System Center 2025? Contact us for more information. We are happy to assist you with your inquiries and ensure that you are well-prepared for this new release.