You’re a small or large business looking to set up a Cheap Windows VPS server but don’t want to break the bank. Good news: you’ve got options for affordable Windows Server licenses. In this post, we’ll cover the cheapest ways to get Windows Server no matter the size of your business. From using lower-cost editions to buying discounted licenses, we’ll explore all the budget ways to get the Windows server capabilities you need without overspending. You’ll learn the limitations of cheaper Windows Server editions as well as recommendations for different business sizes and needs. We’ll also look at third-party vendors for deals on licenses. Read on for the inside scoop on all the most cost-effective ways to get Windows Server!

Why Businesses Need Windows Server

As a business grows, managing everything from a basic desktop just won't cut it anymore. You need a dedicated server operating system like Windows Server to handle important functions.

Centralized Data Storage

With a Windows Server, you can store files, emails, databases, and applications in one place. This makes data easy to back up, secure, and access from anywhere. No more keeping critical files on random PCs or external hard drives!

User Account Control

Controlling user access and permissions is a must for any organization. Windows Server lets you create separate accounts for employees, set security policies, and restrict access to sensitive data. You'll have peace of mind knowing your systems and files are protected.

Increased Reliability

Windows Server is designed to run 24/7 with minimal downtime. It has features like failover clustering to provide high availability and disaster recovery. If one server goes down, the workload automatically shifts to another node so your business keeps running.

Scalability

As your company grows, Windows Server can grow with you. It supports technologies like virtualization that allow you to run multiple virtual servers on one physical machine. You can also cluster servers together into a single system with huge amounts of memory, storage, and processing power.

Windows Server may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it really is essential infrastructure for any mid-size or large organization. The security, reliability, and scalability it provides will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. Make the switch to Windows Server - your business will thank you!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cheap Windows Server

Hardware Requirements

When selecting a cheap Windows server option, you'll first want to determine your hardware needs. How many users do you need to support? What applications will you be running? The more users and intensive apps, the more powerful a server you'll require. For a small business, you can likely get by with an entry-level server. Larger organizations may need a more robust machine with additional storage, memory and processing power.

Software Licensing

Windows server software doesn't come cheap, so you'll need to consider the licensing costs. For a small business, Windows Essentials offers an affordable option starting at around $500. Larger companies will need to shell out a few thousand dollars for Windows Standard or Datacenter. You'll also need to factor in the costs for additional software like Microsoft SQL Server or Exchange.

On-Premises vs. Cloud Options

Do you want to host your own physical Windows server on-site or opt for a cloud-based solution? On-premises servers require an upfront capital investment but give you more control. Cloud options like Microsoft Azure reduce upfront costs but charge monthly fees. For a small business, a cloud server is probably the more budget-friendly choice. Larger organizations may benefit more from an on-premises server or a hybrid approach.

Maintenance and Support

Don't forget that your Windows server will require ongoing maintenance like software updates, security patches and technical support. On-premises servers need in-house IT staff to handle this. Cloud options typically bundle maintenance and support into the monthly fees but at an added cost. Consider how much you can afford to budget for these ongoing expenses.

With some research on these key factors, you can find an affordable Windows server solution well-suited to your needs and budget. The good news is there are more options than ever for companies of all sizes.

Best Cheap Windows Server Solutions for Large Enterprises

If you run a large organization, you need an equally large and capable server solution to handle all your computing needs. The good news is, there are affordable Windows server options that can scale with your growing business.

Windows Server 2019 Essentials

This streamlined server OS is perfect for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. It’s very easy to set up and manage, with an intuitive web-based dashboard, and includes useful tools like file sharing, backup, and security features. Windows Server 2019 Essentials is very budget-friendly, with no client access licenses (CALs) required. However, it may not have enough power or scalability for a large enterprise.

Windows Server Standard

For midsize to large organizations, Windows Server Standard edition provides a solid, full-featured foundation for running infrastructure services like Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and file sharing. It supports up to 64GB of RAM and 640 logical processors, so it can handle the workload of thousands of users. You will need to purchase CALs for each user or device accessing the server.

Windows Server Datacenter

The Datacenter edition of Windows Server is designed for highly virtualized datacenter environments with massive scalability. It offers unlimited virtual instances, supports up to 24TB of RAM and 640 logical processors. Datacenter edition also includes advanced features like Storage Spaces Direct, Shielded VMs, and software-defined networking. Like Windows Server Standard, you will need CALs for each user and the upfront costs can be significant. However, Datacenter may lower your total cost of ownership over time through server consolidation and reduced hardware costs.

With the variety of editions available, Windows Server has an option to suit any large organization. Focus on your current and future needs to determine which version is the most budget-friendly and will provide the best support for your enterprise. With strategic planning, you can build a robust server infrastructure without breaking the bank.

FAQs: Answering Common Questions About Cheap Windows Server

What are some cheap Windows server options?

Windows Server Essentials and Windows Storage Server Essentials are two of the most affordable Windows server options for small businesses. They provide basic functionality for file sharing, backup, and remote access at a low cost. For larger organizations, Windows Server Standard is a popular, budget-friendly choice. It includes essential features like Active Directory, virtualization rights, and file and print sharing.

How much does Windows Server cost?

Windows Server Essentials starts around $500. Windows Storage Server Essentials is also around $500. Windows Server Standard starts around $800. The exact pricing will depend on the number of licenses you need and whether you buy through Microsoft’s volume licensing program. These are all one-time, upfront costs—there are no ongoing subscription fees.

Do I have to pay extra for client access licenses (CALs)?

With Windows Server Essentials and Windows Storage Server Essentials, CALs are included for up to 25 users or devices to access the server. For Windows Server Standard, you will need to purchase separate CALs for each user or device accessing the server. CALs start around $40-$50 per license.

What are the hardware requirements for running Windows Server?

The hardware requirements will depend on which Windows Server edition you choose and how you intend to use it. In general:

-For Essentials editions, you'll want at least a dual-core 64-bit processor, 8-16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. -For Windows Server Standard, aim for a quad-core processor or better, 16-32GB of RAM, and 1-2TB of storage or more. -For larger workloads like virtualization, you'll want more powerful specs with faster processors, maximum RAM, and solid state storage.

Do I need technical expertise to manage Windows Server?

The Essentials editions are designed to be easy to set up and manage, even for those without extensive technical backgrounds. However, managing Windows Server Standard and other more advanced editions typically requires IT expertise. You'll need staff experienced with Active Directory, networking, storage, and other enterprise technologies. If you lack internal IT staff, you may want to consider outsourcing Windows Server management to an MSP.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the decision on which Windows Server option to go with depends on your specific business needs and budget. But with the range of choices out there, from Azure to used hardware, there are plenty of avenues for SMBs and larger companies alike to run Windows Server affordably. Don't be afraid to get creative and explore your options. The key is finding the right balance of capabilities, security, and cost that aligns with your goals. With an open mind and a little research, you can likely find a Windows Server solution that works for you without breaking the bank. The possibilities are out there - now go make it happen!