Server software in our range covers Windows Server operating systems, client access licences (CALs), email and collaboration software, management and security tools, developer tools, virtualisation and Linux products, and database software. It suits small businesses, IT departments and resellers who equip servers. Most products come from Microsoft, with Trend Micro, HPE and Lenovo also listed.
How to choose server software
Operating system edition. Pick the Windows Server edition by how many virtual machines you plan to run. Standard suits physical servers or light virtualisation, while Datacenter is designed for heavily virtualised hosts. Check the licence is sold per core, as current Windows Server versions are, and that it covers every core in the machine.
Client access licences. A server licence alone does not let people connect to it. Each user or device normally needs a CAL, and the CAL version must be the same as or newer than the server version. User CALs usually make sense when staff use several devices, and device CALs when many people share a few workstations. Our server access licences (CAL) subcategory is the largest part of the range, so most server versions are covered.
Version and workload. Match the software to the job: file and print sharing, email, databases, remote desktop or virtualisation. Email and collaboration software, database software and remote access each have their own licensing rules, so check what the server needs before buying the operating system alone.
OEM or retail licence. An OEM licence is tied to the hardware it is first installed on and cannot normally be moved to another server. A retail or volume-style licence gives more freedom when you replace hardware. Consider how long you expect to keep the server.
Management and security. Servers holding company data need backup, patching and malware protection. Look at the management and security subcategory for tools that cover endpoint and server protection, monitoring and remote administration.
Server software brands we carry
- Microsoft: maker of Windows Server, Exchange Server and SQL Server, and the source of the CAL licensing model that most server environments follow. Microsoft OEM products are also in our range.
- Trend Micro: security specialist known for protecting servers, endpoints and email against malware and ransomware.
- HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise): server manufacturer whose software includes management tools for its own ProLiant servers.
- Acronis: known for backup and recovery software that protects servers and workstations.
- Kofax: document capture and process automation software for businesses that handle large volumes of paperwork.
Also in our range: Lenovo and Dell. Besides the main licences, shoppers also find developer tools, virtualisation and Linux software and database software.
Server software FAQ
What is a CAL and do I need one?
A client access licence (CAL) gives a user or device the right to access a Windows Server. In most cases you need one for every user or device that connects, in addition to the server licence itself. The CAL version must match or be newer than the server version.
What is the difference between Windows Server Standard and Datacenter?
The main difference is virtualisation rights. Standard allows a limited number of virtual machines per licensed host, while Datacenter allows an unlimited number. Datacenter also includes some extra features aimed at large virtualised setups.
Can I use a normal Windows licence on a server?
No. Desktop Windows is not licensed for server roles such as hosting shared files for a whole office or running business applications for many users. A server needs a Windows Server licence, plus CALs for the people or devices that connect to it.
Do I need security software on a server?
Yes, a server needs protection like any other computer, and often more because it stores shared company data. Look for software that scans server workloads, blocks malware and ransomware, and works with your backup routine. Security from vendors such as Trend Micro is listed in our server management and security subcategory.
