Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2016

[nkv]

Hi Experts - We are planning to move to Windows Server 2016 and would like to know couple of design consideration

1. We have ESXi 5.5. Does it support running a virtual machine of version Windows Server 2016??

2. Is it possible to run Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2016 on the same ESXi - I believe this is fine, but what factors to consider from Windows Server licensing and ESXi licensing point of view

Advice please.

[a_p_]

1. We have ESXi 5.5. Does it support running a virtual machine of version Windows Server 2016??

Yes, see VMware Compatibility Guide - Guest/Host Search‌

2. Is it possible to run Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2016 on the same ESXi - I believe this is fine, but what factors to consider from Windows Server licensing and ESXi licensing point of view

You can run any supported guest operating systems simultaneously on your ESXi host. Licensing may be something to consider when it comes to Windows 2016, because Microsoft requires proper core licensing for the host. From an ESXi perspective there's no difference in licensing.

André