Small businesses and home offices often face the challenge of choosing the right Windows Server version. In the case of Windows Server 2012, Microsoft has simplified the options to just two: Windows Server 2012 Essentials and Foundation. But which one is the best fit for your needs? Let’s dig deeper and find out.
Licensing and Availability
If you’re purchasing a new low-end server, Foundation is typically acquired as part of the package. On the other hand, Essentials can be purchased separately at retail for around €425. It’s also worth mentioning that Essentials works well with Windows 7- and Windows 8-compatible PCs, making it a great choice for repurposing older hardware.
While Foundation has already shipped with Standard and Datacenter versions, Essentials is set to be released by the end of the year. However, the near-final RC version of Essentials is already stable and feature-complete.
User Limit and Processor Count
Essentials supports up to 25 users, whereas Foundation is limited to 15. Additionally, Essentials can handle servers with up to two physical processors, while Foundation only supports one. It’s important to note that both versions support any number of cores your processors contain.
Features: Hyper-V and Active Directory
Neither Essentials nor Foundation support the Hyper-V role. However, Essentials can be virtualized on Windows Server 2012 Standard or Datacenter, while Foundation can only be installed on new server hardware.
Both versions support Active Directory, but they approach this functionality differently. Essentials requires you to create a domain during setup, which cannot be changed later. Foundation, on the other hand, follows the usual installation process and allows you to promote the server to a domain controller later on.
Product Focus and Management
Essentials is designed to be simple and user-friendly, making it ideal for organizations with no dedicated IT staff. It comes pre-configured with file and media sharing, centralized PC backup, network health monitoring, remote and web access, simple Group Policy, and integration with Office 365 or Exchange Server.
Foundation is a basic starter version of Windows Server 2012 and requires experienced IT professionals for configuration and management. It includes more complex management tools, making it less suitable for typical users.
Upgrading and Choosing the Right Version
Both Essentials and Foundation can be upgraded to Windows Server 2012 Standard if your needs grow. However, it’s important to consider the unique features and built-in functionalities that Essentials offers, such as centralized PC backups, before making a decision.
In summary, Foundation is best suited for organizations with at least some in-house IT staff or those comfortable outsourcing management. Essentials, on the other hand, is ideal for small businesses without dedicated IT resources. With its plug-and-play server appliance-like features, Essentials is particularly well-suited for modern startups.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific requirements. Evaluate both versions and choose the one that aligns best with your needs.
