Server management and security software covers server operating system licences, client access licences, administration tools and protection against malware. Our range includes over 600 products, mainly from Microsoft, Trend Micro and HPE. It suits IT administrators, small businesses running their own server and system integrators.
How to choose server management and security software
Licensing model. Windows Server is licensed by the number of processor cores in the server, and users or devices that connect to it need separate client access licences (CALs). Before buying, count the physical cores and the people or devices that will use the server.
Edition. The Standard edition is intended for physical servers or a small number of virtual machines, while Datacenter makes sense when one server hosts many virtual machines. A small business running a few services on one server usually needs only Standard.
Purpose. Decide what is actually missing: an operating system, remote administration or protection. The operating system and access licences form the foundation of a server, management tools make monitoring and updates easier, and security software defends against ransomware and other threats.
Compatibility. Check the operating system version, the virtualisation platform and the server manufacturer. Management tools from HPE or Lenovo are generally built for their own hardware, while Microsoft and Trend Micro solutions run on servers from many manufacturers, provided they support your system version.
Scope and term. Security and management licences are often counted per user, device or server and run for a fixed period. Buy for the number you have now, leave a little headroom for growth and check that updates are included for the whole licence term.
Brands we carry
- Microsoft: develops Windows Server and its access licences, which businesses use for domain, file and virtualisation servers.
- Trend Micro: a cybersecurity company known for protecting servers, endpoints and virtualised environments.
- HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise): maker of ProLiant servers, whose iLO technology lets administrators manage a server remotely without physical access.
- Lenovo: maker of ThinkSystem servers, with XClarity management tools for its own hardware.
Also in our range: HP Inc.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Windows Server Standard and Datacenter?
The main difference is virtualisation rights: Standard allows two virtual Windows Server machines on a licensed host, while Datacenter allows an unlimited number. Datacenter also includes a few extra features aimed at large data centres. For a small business, Standard is usually enough.
Do I need client access licences (CALs) for Windows Server?
Yes, in addition to the server licence you generally need a CAL for each user or device that connects to the server. The CAL version must be at least as recent as the server software. Choose user or device CALs according to which gives you fewer licences to buy.
Does a server need separate security software?
Yes, a server needs its own protection because it holds shared data, and an infection can stop the whole company from working. Server security products, such as those from Trend Micro, are designed for server workloads and virtual environments. A standard home antivirus program is not suited to this.
Does a manufacturer's management software work on any server?
Not always. Management tools from HPE or Lenovo are generally meant for those manufacturers' own servers because they rely on their hardware. Microsoft and Trend Micro software runs on servers from many makers, as long as your operating system version is supported.
