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sglee

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Windows Server 2019 OEM License vs Volume License

User generated imageHi,
  I have a brand new white-box server and need a license for Windows Server 2019 Standard.
  In the past, I purchased Microsoft Server Licenses from distributors like Tech Data or Ingram Micro and it is called "Volume License". Once purchased, it goes under my "Volume Licensing Management Center" where I can a list of licenses that I purchased over the years for my customers. I can download the ISO & Product Key and install software and activate the license the installed computers.
  This year I purchased a OEM license like the one in the screenshot. It came with installation DVD and activation key (I had to scratch the surface to see the activation key - sort of like scratch lottery tickets) and I was able to install OS from the DVD and activate the license successfully.
 The price of OEM package that I paid was less than half of volume licencing version.
 What am I losing if I purchase OEM package like this vs. volume licensing version?
 Is there anything that I should be aware of?

Thanks.


 I
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☠ MASQ ☠

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Volume licenses may be transferred to new hardware. ONE licenses are meant to be tied to a specific piece of hardware. I believe you can still use OEM license if you need to swap a motherboard, but you can't just take it to a newer server. The volume license is perpetual, regardless of what hardware you want to run it on.
The problem with OEM versions is license mobility (the OS is tied to the hardware it is first activated on) and no imaging rights.  I personally detest OEM licenses since they imply rights that the full version have. VL licenses are always UPGRADE that require a qualifying base operating system.  Open Value Licensing is best for most customers https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/licensing/licensing-programs/open-license?activetab=open-license-tab:primaryr2
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sglee

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Thanks for the insight.
I will choose Volume Licensing over OEM.