Licensing Windows Server and System Center Together

Two Core Infrastructure Suite (CIS) offerings combine licenses and Software Assurance (SA) for Windows Server 2012 and System Center 2012. CIS offerings are discounted 5% compared to buying the individual components separately, but customers can realize 20% savings if minimum purchase quantities for an Enrollment for Core Infrastructure (ECI) contract can be met. Customers with perpetual licenses can further benefit from CIS discounts by converting their existing individual licenses for Windows Server and System Center server management into CIS licenses, although the existing licenses must be covered under SA and the mechanics of the conversion can be complex.

CIS Licensing Model and Editions

CIS licenses inherit their processor-based licensing model and edition lineup from Windows Server 2012 and System Center 2012, the two component products included in CIS offerings. There are two editions of CIS, depending on whether Standard or Datacenter licenses for the components are included.