1Populate your server estate
There are two ways to populate the calculator. Enter approximate numbers of each type of server in the table below (and your SQL Server instances in Step 2) — it's pre-filled with example values so you can see how the sums work. Or upload an RVTools export (.xlsx, or the vInfo tab saved as .csv) and the calculator will count your Windows Server VMs by version, using each VM's actual vCPU count for core-based ESU licensing. Either way, add your SQL Server details manually in Step 2 — SQL instances aren't explicitly identified in RVTools exports. Nothing leaves your browser; files are processed locally, and any data from an upload is automatically cleared after 15 minutes.
| Windows Server version | Support status | Servers | Avg vCPUs / server | Licensable cores | Annual ESU (Yr 1) |
|---|
2Add your SQL Server instances
RVTools can't see inside the guest OS, so tell us what SQL Server is running. SQL ESUs are licensed per core (minimum 4 per instance) at 100% of the current licence price each year — SQL Server Enterprise is by far the largest line item in most estates. Pre-filled with example values — edit to match your estate.
| SQL Server version | Support status | Standard instances | Enterprise instances | Avg cores / instance | Annual ESU (Yr 1) |
|---|
Pricing assumptions — click to review or edit (all figures editable)
Defaults use Microsoft's published US list prices (Windows Server 2025 Standard $1,176 per 16 cores; SQL Server 2022 Standard $3,945 / Enterprise $15,123 per 2-core pack) converted at the rate above. Microsoft's ESU FAQ states each ESU year is charged at 100% of the full licence price; earlier programmes (WS2012, SQL 2014) used a 75/100/125% escalator. Adjust to match your own reseller quote.
3Generate your business case
Enter your details and we'll calculate your extended support exposure below — and instantly download your tailored business case as a PDF.
🔒 Your estate data never leaves your browser, is automatically deleted within 15 minutes, and is never used for any secondary processing. Only the contact details you enter here are sent to RiverMeadow, solely so your regional team can follow up on your business case.
4Your annual extended support exposure
Costs are annual and recur for every year you remain on extended support. Figures update live as you edit the estate or assumptions.
| Line item | Servers / instances | Licensable cores | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | 3-year total |
|---|
5The RiverMeadow alternative: upgrade once, stop paying rent
RiverMeadow's automated OS and SQL upgrade capability modernises each server in place or as part of a migration for a one-time £312 ($395) per server — removing the ESU liability entirely and putting you back on supported, patched platforms.
| Business case | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | 3-year total |
|---|
Excluded from both sides: new Windows/SQL licence or Software Assurance costs (required eventually under either path), internal project labour, and any Azure Arc enrolment fees. ESUs also deliver only Critical and Important security fixes — no new features, no performance work, and no support for the underlying platform issues.
Get a tailored business case for your estate
Send us your details and we'll turn your numbers above into a board-ready business case, including migration sequencing and a proof-of-value upgrade of your first servers.