What is it?
Automatic Virtual Machine Activation (AVMA) is an optional feature in Azure Stack HCI that you can use to activate Windows Server VMs running on Azure Stack HCI hosts.
Why is this useful?
- Individual VMs don’t have to be connected to the internet. Only licensed host servers with internet connectivity are required.
- License management is simplified. Instead of having to true-up key usage counts for individual VMs, you can activate any number of VMs with just a properly licensed server.
- Automatic Virtual Machine Activation acts as a proof-of-purchase mechanism. This capability helps to ensure that Windows products are used in accordance with Product Use Rights and Microsoft Software License Terms.
You can use it with your own existing licenses or the new Windows Server subscription licenses – https://www.hciharrison.com/azure-stack-hci/windows-server-guest-subscription-licensing-for-azure-stack-hci/
Please see the Microsoft documentation for further details:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure-stack/hci/manage/vm-activate#windows-server-subscription