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Microsoft Windows Server Standard + Software Assurance - 16 Cores | 3-Year (Paid Upfront)
Windows Server Standard licensed the smart way: pay once for a full three-year Software Assurance term, always deploy the latest version, and keep full rights to run older builds.
Microsoft Windows Server Standard — License & Software Assurance — 16 Cores | 3-Year, Paid Upfront | PN: 9EM-00297
What you get
- ✓ Windows Server Standard with Software Assurance — provisioned at the latest version (currently Server 2025)
- ✓ Full downgrade rights — run Server 2025, 2022, 2019 or earlier under the same license
- ✓ 3-year Software Assurance term, paid once upfront — no annual renewals to track
- ✓ 16-core license — Microsoft's minimum per server, covering up to 16 physical cores
- ✓ Perpetual license retained after the term, with version-upgrade rights active throughout SA
- ✓ Sold by a Microsoft Solutions Partner with 24×7 support
1-Year Annuity or 3-Year Upfront?
Both options give you Windows Server Standard with Software Assurance and the same rights — the difference is how you pay. The seat on this page is the 3-year term paid upfront: one payment, three years of SA, nothing to renew until the term ends.
| 3-Year, Paid Upfront On this page | 1-Year Annuity | |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | One payment, covers the full 3-year term | Annual payment, billed each year of the term |
| Software Assurance | ✓ Active for all 3 years | ✓ Active while annuity is paid |
| Latest version on demand | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Downgrade rights | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Best for | Budget locked in; set-and-forget for 3 years | Lower first-year cost; pay-as-you-go |
What Software Assurance gives you
Software Assurance is what makes this license version-agnostic. While your SA term is active you can deploy the newest Windows Server release at no extra cost — today that's Server 2025 — and you also hold full downgrade rights to run any earlier supported version (2022, 2019, and back) if your environment isn't ready to move. SA also includes new-version rights, problem-resolution support, and planning benefits. When the paid-up term completes, your underlying license stays perpetual.
How licensing works
Windows Server Standard core licenses are sold through Microsoft's volume programs (Open Value). Microsoft requires you to license every physical core in the server, with a 16-core minimum per server — this listing is that 16-core baseline. New Open Value agreements start at a 5-license minimum; if you already have an active agreement, ESS can add to it at any quantity — message us before checkout and we'll attach the order to your enrollment. Need more than 16 cores, or Standard CALs to go with it? Use the "Request a Custom Quote" button and we'll size it for you.
Delivery and activation
Expected delivery: 1–3 business days.
Open Value orders go through Microsoft's order-processing pipeline before keys are released. We email your activation details the moment Microsoft confirms the order. This is Microsoft's processing time, not ours.
Your email includes your activation keys and setup instructions. Prefer delivery to your Microsoft Admin Center? Provide your onmicrosoft.com domain at checkout and we'll route the license there directly. Volume Licensing is managed in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
Frequently asked questions
Which version do I get — is this tied to a specific year?
No. With Software Assurance active you deploy the latest Windows Server Standard release (currently 2025). You're never locked to a single year, and you can run earlier versions under downgrade rights.
What are downgrade rights?
They let you install and run an earlier supported version of Windows Server Standard (2022, 2019, etc.) using this license — useful when your applications or hardware aren't certified for the newest release yet.
What's the difference between this and the 1-Year Annuity SKU?
Identical rights and Software Assurance benefits — only the payment model differs. This SKU is paid once upfront for the full 3-year term; the annuity is billed annually.
How many cores does this cover?
16 physical cores — Microsoft's per-server minimum. If your server has more than 16 cores, you'll need additional core licenses; request a quote and we'll size it correctly.
Do I keep the license after three years?
Yes. Because the term is paid in full upfront, the underlying license is perpetual. Renewing Software Assurance afterward is optional and keeps your new-version rights and support active.
What's your refund policy?
30-day returns on Microsoft Open Value software. If a license fails to activate or doesn't match what was advertised, we'll replace or refund.
What do I get with my purchase?
You receive a product key, download link and install instructions.
How do I get the download?
Most products are delivered digitally via email within 30 minutes of purchase.
What if I need help?
We provide installation support free with all purchases. Just reach out if you need help, we're here!
Other questions?
Give us a call or chat instantly.
Read over 1,000+ reviews that rated ESS 4.9/5 stars
Our customer feedback reflects unparalleled customer satisfaction. With a focus on delivering tailored IT and software solutions, ESS stands as a beacon of reliability and excellence in the industry. Experience their commitment to quality and efficiency firsthand for your business needs.
Our products-
★★★★★
Hard working "dudes" who always provide the best of service. I've worked with ESS for years for my Microsoft Business Standard products and assistance and will work with no other. It's great to deal with a company and talk with a live person . This company is simply "top drawer".
Sid Worley -
★★★★★
Was very helpful when it came to finding a solution for me and providing me with an expedited quote (even had a new customer discount!) After purchasing I had a few questions and Abhi was there to help me figure it out. Truly a wonderful experience.
Dylan Brunette -
★★★★★
Ordered Windows 10 for my outdated pc. The order was easy and fast! however I could not use the download as my pc was too old and would not support it. I was promptly given a refund! Great Customer Service. I Will definitely use them again and recommend them!
Glynese Thomas -
★★★★★
The ESS team was easy to work with and responded quickly to questions we had in both the planning and implementation phases of our migration to Office 365. I asked many questions during the process and both the sales rep and system engineer were always happy to answer with any information they could provide. In addition to a smooth migration, ESS was available for questions and minor issues that occurred post migration-in other words, they stood behind the work they performed.
John Philip -
★★★★★
Abhi was of exceptional assistance. He was always available, really knew his stuff, and was extremely friendly to work with. I plan on using ESS often in the future.
Reinhold Hutz -
★★★★★
They helped us migrate MS CRM 4.0 to MS CRM 365. It was rocky at first but as the project went along things got better. All of the data was migrated to our requirements and I am very happy with the end result. The project was finished in November and they check up every now and then as well to make sure all is good. I plan on using them again for some possible development needs. Thank you for the hard work!
Anthony Anthony -
★★★★★
Excellent service. Actually received a phone call when chat could help me. He walked me through my issue and got my software up and running. I wish more companies would model their customer service like ESS LLC
Paul Zapf -
★★★★★
This business is very professional and has great customer service. They have great products at very reasonable prices. I highly recommend them.
Rich Saba -
★★★★★
Had a slight activation problem but customer service was extremely responsive and the problem was resolved in minutes
Mike Willhoite -
★★★★★
Trying to down load lol issue on my end they are quick to respond to resolve your issue!
Theresa Stallings -
★★★★★
Great service, Abhi and the team did an excellent job on our server install and all of our software solutions..
Chris Estrada -
★★★★★
Andy was amazing. He was very helpful and provided me service while I was stuck overseas. I recommend their service to everyone.
Abdi Hassan -
★★★★★
These guys are experts and made my purchase easy any trouble free. I won't be going to a big box store anymore for my software. Tell all your friends!
Mark Sorensen -
★★★★★
ESS is easy to work with and they always provide excellent service. The go-to for my support and software needs!
Cody Krissberg -
★★★★★
Had trouble installing an upgrade but their "IT Dudes" took all of 30 seconds to fix the problem and install the upgrade. Great service!
Charles Ray -
★★★★★
Andy is the best. Very organized and helpful. Got me everything I needed to keep my business running. I go to them for all my software needs.
Erfan Haroon -
★★★★★
I needed to find a copy of MS Office, that would run on an old Mac OS. ESS set me up for success. Easy download & install. THANK-YOU!
Jonathan Damon -
★★★★★
We have worked with Abhi at Enterprises Software Solutions a number of times over the years and we've had nothing but great experiences with his service and the products we've purchased from him. Whenever we have computer or software related needs or questions for business or personal use, Abhi is who we call.
Matt Caren -
★★★★★
I am 79 years old & not real “tech savvy.” Thanks to speedy & excellent service I was able to download important software when there were complications .with the process. Kudos to Enterprise software!
Gary Sampson -
★★★★★
I recently purchased Microsoft Office from ESS. Everything worked as it should, and the reps contacted me via email and by the phone making sure that everything went correctly. A++ customer support
Zachry Fossland -
★★★★★
Needed to buy office 365, ended up purchasing from ESS. Instant delivery to my email and then they walked me through setting it up. Excellent customer service and I'll definitely be buying more software through them in the future.
Mohammad Javed -
★★★★★
ESS was extremely helpful in providing guidance on how to transition my Microsoft Office License from one computer to another. Without their assistance I would not have been able to do so. The guidance provided by Microsoft was very poor.
Steven Saulnier -
★★★★★
Aude was very helpful. I purchased Microsoft Office but had a lot of trouble trying to access excel and word. Thankfully Aude called and assisted me with the whole process. I am ever so grateful to him and give him the highest marks. Thank you very much!!
Kathleen Shafer
Retail (Full Package Product) vs. Open Value with Software Assurance (SA)
Criteria |
Retail (FPP) |
Open Value with Software Assurance (SA) |
|---|---|---|
Pricing |
One-time purchase, typically higher cost upfront.
|
Spread out payments over a 2-3 year period. Discounts available for volume purchases.
|
License Type |
Perpetual license.
|
Non-perpetual if on subscription, or perpetual with Software Assurance.
|
Ownership |
Full ownership; no need for renewal.
|
Full ownership with perpetual licenses after payment period or must renew for non-perpetual.
|
Software Assurance (SA) Benefits |
Not included.
|
Includes SA benefits such as upgrade rights, support, training, and other services.
|
Upgrade Rights |
No automatic upgrade rights; requires repurchase for new versions.
|
Free upgrade to new versions during the agreement term (if SA is active).
|
Support |
Basic support may be included for a limited time. Additional support needs to be purchased.
|
Includes 24x7 support for critical issues, training vouchers, and consulting hours.
|
Flexibility |
Limited flexibility—tied to specific device or user.
|
Flexible licensing options, including user or device-based, and multi-device use.
|
Volume Discounts |
Please fill out custom quote form.
|
Volume discounts are available based on agreement size.
|
Renewal Options |
No renewal needed; the license is perpetual.
|
Optional renewal to continue receiving Software Assurance benefits.
|
Cloud Services |
Does not include cloud services integration.
|
Can be combined with cloud services like Microsoft 365.
|
License Transferability |
License can be transferred to a new device.
|
Transferable between devices or users with Software Assurance.
|
Product Availability |
Typically, for individual products (e.g., Office, Windows).
|
Available for a broad range of Microsoft products, including Windows, Office, and servers.
|