Windows Server 2012 Editions Editions

| Specifications | Foundation | Essentials | Standard | Datacenter_ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution | OEM only | Retail, volume licensing, OEM | Retail, volume licensing, OEM | Volume licensing and OEM |
| Licensing model | Per server | Per server | Per CPU pair + CAL | Per CPU pair + CAL |
| Processor chip limit | 1 | 2 | 64 | 64 |
| Memory limit | 32 GB | 64 GB | 4 TB | 4 TB |
| User limit | 15 | 25 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| File Services limits | 1 standalone DFS root | 1 standalone DFS root | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Network Policy and Access Services limits | 50 RRAS connections and 10 IAS connections | 250 RRAS connections, 50 IAS connections, and 2 IAS Server Groups | Unlimited | Unlimited |