Windows Server IoT 2022

What is Windows Server IoT 2022?

Windows Server IoT 2022 is a full version of Windows Server 2022 that delivers enterprise manageability and security to IoT solutions. Windows Server IoT 2022 shares all the benefits of the world-wide Windows ecosystem. It is a binary equivalent to Windows Server 2022, so you can use the same familiar development and management tools that you use on your general-purpose servers. However, when it comes to licensing and distribution, the general-purpose version and IoT versions differ. Windows Server IoT 2022 is only licensed through the OEM channel under special dedicated use rights.

Windows Server IoT Releases

Windows Server IoT releases follow the Fixed Lifecycle Policy.

Fixed purpose device

See your licensing agreement for complete guidance on all Windows Server IoT 2022 usage scenarios. If you do not have this licensing agreement, ask the OEM you work with for the commercial agreement.
Windows Server is well known as the server operating system used by small businesses and enterprises world-wide. What is less well known is that for years, Windows Server has also powered many dedicated solutions in retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and more. Windows Server IoT 2022 allows you to build fixed purpose solutions with specific allowances and restrictions in the license agreement.

Long-term Servicing Channel (LTSC)

This is the release model you’re already familiar with, formerly called the “Long-Term Servicing Branch”, where a new major version of Windows Server is released every two to three years. Users are entitled to five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support. This channel is appropriate for systems that require a longer servicing option and functional stability. Deployments of Windows Server IoT 2022 and earlier versions of Windows Server will not be affected by the new Semi-Annual Channel releases. The Long-Term Servicing Channel will continue to receive security and non-security updates, but it will not receive the new features and functionality.

Windows Server IoT SKUs

Multiple offerings for a variety of use cases
Microsoft offers six Windows Server IoT editions. The table below can help you identify which one may be right for the specific solution you want to deliver to your customers

Microsoft SQL Server IoT

Full power of SQL for dedicated use scenarios
Microsoft SQL Server has been available for embedded use for many years. Licensed through the OEM channel specifically for dedicated-use, server class edge devices running purpose-built software applications, Microsoft SQL Server IoT 2022 is the binary equivalent to SQL Server 2022. Combined with Windows Server IoT 2022 and a specific purpose application, Microsoft SQL Server IoT 2022 provides a comprehensive database platform for mission-critical data analytics and offers industry-leading performance, availability, and security. New functionality includes intelligent query processing, accelerated database recovery, and In-Memory Database optimization, all of which improve performance and scale over prior versions.
For clarity, Microsoft SQL Server IoT 2022 has the same features and functionality as Microsoft SQL Server 2022, but different licensing and distribution.  Microsoft SQL Server IoT 2019 is only licensed through the OEM channel under special dedicated use rights. It must be installed on the device with an integrated (embedded) software application (or suite of applications) dedicated and designed for a specific use. Licensing terms do not permit use as a general-purpose enterprise database. 
Many customers license embedded SQL Servers together with Windows Server embedded/IoT. Together, these two products provide a powerful platform that enables competitive solutions.

Which SKU should i use in my solution?
Microsoft offers two SQL Server IoT editions – Standard and Enterprise. The table below provides some general information regarding which version may be right for the solution you are building.