1. Don’t pay for Linux Guests
Microsoft Cloud Platform Suite License
If you run Windows and Linux workloads, the Cloud Platform Suite (CPS) can save you money. This Suite makes a powerful case for Linux with Microsoft by eliminating the need to license Linux Guests deployed with Hyper-V and by including System Center for managing Linux workloads. 0$
Incremental costs for Linux Guests on Hyper-V
95%
Savings as compared to other licensing and competitive solutions
1st
Linux is a first class citizen on Hyper-V and with System Center *
Cost of Linux Guests
Linux Guests are priced by virtualization vendors like VMware the same way as Windows Guests. The Cloud Platform Suite Linux Guests, unlike Windows Guests, do not require a separate license. The cost of all Linux Guests running on a Hyper-V license under the Cloud Platform Suite is included in the license. For example, a total licensing cost of 20 Linux VMs running on a 2-processor server licensed under the Cloud Platform Suite will cost approximately $5 (US) ERP ($2.5 US per- processor) or $25c (US) per VM.
Management of Linux Guests
Under SPLA, System Center for management of either Windows or Linux guests has to be licensed separately from a Windows Server license. The Cloud Platform Suite is a bundled SKU of Windows and System Center, and all guests covered under that license are covered for management by System Center including the SQL Server 2012 Standard license needed to run System Center. System Center is a necessary component for the Windows Azure Pack.
Licensing Compliance Risk
Mixing Datacenter and Standard server licenses under SPLA creates a risk with poorly managed VM migrations that may result in unlicensed Guests on Windows Standard Servers, or System Center managed servers. With the Cloud Platform Suite license all Guests licensed can reside on any Host licensed.
The Cloud Platform Hosts
A host should run only permitted Cloud Platform Suite Host components together, and a host license should be assigned to every physical processor of a host. The license provides the right to run the following components together:
Windows Server 2012 R2 – OS and virtualization
System Center 2012 R2 – Management of Windows and Linux Guests
Windows Azure Pack for Windows Server – Self-service, multi-tenant cloud enabler, consistent with the public Windows Azure experience
SQL Server 2012 Standard – for System Center and AWP
Cloud Platform Suite Guests
You need a license for each VM running on the licensed Host Fabric. The license provides the right to run 2012 or earlier versions of:
Windows Server Standard
Windows Server Enterprise
Windows Server Datacenter
Windows Server Essentials
Windows Web Server
Windows HPC Server Operating System

2. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cloud Platform Suite?
The Microsoft Cloud Platform Suite is a new licensing offer available for Service Providers in the SPLA channel.
How does the Cloud Platform Suite
save you money?
The Cloud Platform Suite (CPS) eliminates the need to license Linux Guests deployed with Hyper-V and by including System Center for managing Linux workloads. This can result in up to 95%* savings as compared to other licensing and competitive solutions. 
How is the Cloud Platform Suite licensed?
The Cloud Platform Suite is licensed in a host plus guest model. A customer will purchase a Microsoft Cloud Platform Suite license for the hardware to create the host fabric in which instances can run. This is considered the “host” license. The customer will purchase individual Microsoft Cloud Platform Guest licenses for each of the virtual instances that it wants to run. A customer must license the highest number of virtual instances that it runs in a given month. The Cloud Platform Suite includes two SKUs:
Host SKU: Includes Windows Server 2012 R2, System Center 2012 R2, and Windows Azure Pack, host capabilities and rights to manage all guests.
Guest SKU: Includes Windows Server 2012 R2 guest capabilities. Partners will also have access to Service Templates for guidance on how to build their Microsoft Cloud Platform host fabric on their own hardware. 
What is a host and guest?
A Host is a physical server and a guest is an operating system that runs on top of the host’s operating system.
How do I get the bits for the Cloud Platform Suite?
The bits for Windows Server 2012 R2, System Center 2012 R2, and Windows Azure Pack are available on the Volume License Service Center (VLSC).
When will the Cloud Platform Suite be on the SPLA pricelist?
The Cloud Platform Suite is currently available on the SPLA pricelist.
What is the difference between the Microsoft Cloud Platform Suite and the Core Infrastructure Suite?
There are two important differences between the Cloud Platform Suite and the Core Infrastructure Suite:
They have different licensing models. The Cloud Platform Suite brings a new Host and Guest licensing model.
Both are ideal for highly virtualized servers, but while the Core Infrastructure Suite is ideal for managing a homogeneous environment of Windows Server workloads, the Cloud Platform Suite enables customers to manage a heterogeneous environment running multiple server operating systems.
Can I run the Cloud Platform Guest on a hypervisor other than a CPS running Windows Server 2012R2 and System Center 2012R2?
No, the Microsoft Cloud Platform Guest can only be run on a Microsoft Cloud Platform host fabric based on Windows Server 2012 R2 and System Center 2012 R2 or future versions.
Can I move my Cloud Platform Guest from my on- premises Microsoft Cloud Platform fabric to a Hoster’s environment?
Yes, you can move your Microsoft Cloud Platform Guest to any Microsoft Cloud Platform host fabric, even if it is in a third-party hosted environment.
Find the Service Provider Usage Rights at:
Download the Productivity Suite Materials: Go to our website
*As compared to a Linux guest running on Hyper-V licensed with Windows Server Standard.
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