Microsoft’s Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard :

Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard is ideal for small-to-medium-sized businesses that operate in physical or minimally virtualised environments. The licence is CPU-based and allows you to cover up to two physical processors on a server. You also need a Client Access License (CAL) for each client that accesses Windows Server Standard edition.

• Group Policy Efficiency: Boost startup speed for offline machines using the new “Policy Cache” setting. Domain-joined devices store policy settings locally, potentially bypassing policy download delays.
• Full System Restore for Clients: Now available through Windows Deployment Services (WDS).
• Automated Storage Tiering: Storage Spaces prioritizes fastest physical media for frequently used files.
• Precise IP Management (IPAM): Control user access to DHCP configurations, IP address blocks, and more. IPAM integrates with System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 R2 for unified IP policies across physical and virtual environments.
• Accelerated VM Deployment (around 50% faster): Generation 2 VMs no longer require Legacy Network Adapter; SCSI controller outperforms legacy IDE controller.