Microsoft offers the following four versions of Windows
Server 2012:
Windows Server 2012
Datacenter Edition:
Windows Server 2012
Datacenter was designed for organizations that are looking to migrate to a
highly virtualized, private cloud environment. Windows Server 2012 Datacenter
has full Windows Server functionality with unlimited virtual instances.
Windows Server 2012
Standard Edition:
Windows Server 2012
Standard was designed for organizations with physical or minimally virtualized
environments. Windows Server 2012 Standard has full Windows Server
functionality with two virtual instances.
Windows Server 2012
Essentials Edition:
Windows Server 2012
Essentials is ideal for small businesses that have as many as 25 users and 50
devices. Windows Server 2012 Essentials has a simpler interface and
preconfigured connectivity to cloud-based services but no virtualization
rights.
Windows Server 2012
Foundation Edition:
Windows Server 2012 Foundation was designed for smaller
companies that need a Windows Server experience for as few as 15 users. Windows
Server 2012 Foundation is a general-purpose server with basic functionality but
no virtualization rights
