Microsoft System Center 2022 vs 2025: Features, Licensing, and Pricing Comparison

Microsoft System Center 2025 represents a significant evolution in datacenter management, building upon the solid foundation established by System Center 2022 while introducing enhanced security, modernization capabilities, and Azure integration features. Released on November 6, 2024, System Center 2025 delivers infrastructure modernization and enhanced security to help organizations manage complex IT environments more effectively [1].

This comprehensive comparison examines the key differences between System Center 2022 and 2025, covering new features, security enhancements, licensing models, and the notable 10% price increase that reflects continued development and improvement investments [2].

New Features in System Center 2025

System Center 2025 introduces substantial security enhancements designed around a “secure by design” philosophy. The platform reduces reliance on Credential Security Support Provider protocol (CredSSP) and NTLM authentication mechanisms, significantly enhancing the security posture for Windows Servers [1]. TLS 1.3 support ensures data transmissions are protected by the most advanced security standards available, while enhanced Azure data security developments enable secure storage of passphrases and their application to on-premises environments [1].

The virtualization management capabilities receive significant upgrades with support for managing Azure Stack HCI 23H2 clusters through Virtual Machine Manager 2025, providing unified control of heterogeneous infrastructure through a single management plane [1]. Data Protection Manager 2025 integrates seamlessly with SharePoint Subscription Edition and introduces virtual TPM (vTPM) support with the ability to exclude specific disks from backups in Hyper-V environments, optimizing backup processes and improving overall system performance [1].

Azure Arc integration represents a major advancement, with System Center 2025 supporting the latest Arc-enabled capabilities of Windows Server 2025, including Hotpatching for Arc-enabled Virtual Machine Manager managed VMs and lifecycle operations for VMs hosted in customer datacenters [1]. This enhanced Azure Arc-enabled management provides organizations with the flexibility to migrate to the cloud at their own pace while ensuring optimal resource utilization [1].

System Center 2022 Foundation Features

System Center 2022 established the platform’s focus on best-in-class datacenter operations, introducing improved collaboration and insights capabilities that remain relevant in the 2025 version [3]. The 2022 release introduced enhanced access control capabilities, Microsoft Teams integration, and easier management of alert closures in System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) [3].

Key innovations in System Center 2022 included the introduction of new Read-only Administrator and Delegated Administrator roles, providing more granular permission management and simplified custom user role creation [3]. These role-based access control improvements enabled better DevOps collaboration between different personas including infrastructure teams, SRE teams, LOB application teams, and SCOM administrators [3].

Feature Comparison Tables

New Features Exclusive to System Center 2025

Feature CategoryFeatureDescriptionBusiness Impact
SecurityReduced CredSSP/NTLM UsageFewer scenarios using legacy authentication mechanismsEnhanced security posture and reduced attack surface
SecurityTLS 1.3 SupportAdvanced security standards for data transmissionsImproved data protection and compliance capabilities
SecurityAzure Key Vault IntegrationSecure storage of passphrases in Azure Key VaultCentralized credential management and enhanced security
SecurityVirtual TPM (vTPM) SupportEnhanced data protection strategiesImproved encryption and security for virtual environments
InfrastructureAzure Stack HCI 23H2 SupportVMM 2025 can manage Azure Stack HCI clustersUnified hybrid infrastructure management
InfrastructureLatest Linux Distribution SupportComprehensive Windows and Linux environment handlingBroader platform support and management capabilities
IntegrationSharePoint Subscription EditionDPM 2025 seamless integrationEnhanced enterprise application backup solutions
CloudEnhanced Azure Arc IntegrationImproved setup and feature integrationSimplified hybrid cloud management and monitoring
BackupSelective Disk Backup ExclusionExclude specific disks from Hyper-V backupsOptimized backup performance and storage efficiency
ModernizationHotpatching for VMM VMsArc-enabled Hotpatching capabilitiesReduced downtime and improved system availability

Core Capability Evolution

CapabilitySystem Center 2022System Center 2025Enhancement Details
Security FrameworkBasic security controlsSecure by design architectureComprehensive security enhancements across all components
AuthenticationStandard CredSSP/NTLM supportReduced CredSSP/NTLM usage with TLS 1.3Modern authentication protocols and enhanced security
Azure IntegrationBasic Azure connectivityEnhanced Azure Arc integrationSeamless hybrid cloud management and lifecycle operations
Virtualization ManagementStandard VM managementAzure Stack HCI 23H2 supportUnified control of heterogeneous infrastructure
Data ProtectionStandard backup capabilitiesvTPM support and selective disk exclusionAdvanced data protection with optimized performance
Platform SupportWindows-focused managementEnhanced Linux distribution supportComprehensive multi-platform management
CollaborationTeams integration and RBACEnhanced Teams integration with improved RBACContinued collaboration improvements with security focus
MonitoringStandard SCOM capabilitiesEnhanced monitoring with Arc integrationImproved visibility and hybrid monitoring capabilities

Security Enhancement Comparison

Security FeatureSystem Center 2022System Center 2025Security Improvement
Authentication ProtocolsCredSSP/NTLM standard usageReduced CredSSP/NTLM scenariosMinimized legacy protocol exposure
Data TransmissionTLS 1.2 supportTLS 1.3 supportLatest encryption standards
Credential ManagementLocal credential storageAzure Key Vault integrationCentralized and secure credential management
Virtual Machine SecurityStandard VM protectionVirtual TPM (vTPM) supportHardware-level security for virtual environments
Backup SecurityStandard backup encryptionEnhanced backup with selective exclusionOptimized security with performance benefits
Hybrid SecurityBasic Azure securityEnhanced Azure Arc security integrationComprehensive hybrid security management

Detailed Licensing and Pricing Analysis

System Center 2025 maintains the established licensing framework while implementing a 10% price increase that reflects continued development and improvement investments. The licensing model remains consistent with System Center 2022, using server and client management licenses with endpoint-based licensing requirements [2].

Base License Costs Comparison

EditionSystem Center 2022System Center 2025Price DifferencePercentage Change
Datacenter Edition$3,607$3,968+$361+10.0%
Standard Edition$1,323$1,455+$132+10.0%

Licensing Model Consistency

Licensing AspectSystem Center 2022System Center 2025Notes
Licensing ModelServer and client management licensesServer and client management licensesUnchanged licensing approach
Endpoint RequirementsLicenses required for managed endpointsLicenses required for managed endpointsConsistent endpoint-based licensing
SQL Server IntegrationNo additional licenses for SQL Server StandardNo additional licenses for SQL Server StandardContinued SQL Server Standard inclusion
Core-based LicensingPhysical core-based licensingPhysical core-based licensing (8-core minimum)Aligned with Windows Server 2025 model
Virtualization RightsBased on editionBased on editionConsistent virtualization licensing

Total Cost of Ownership Scenarios

Small Business Deployment (50 managed endpoints)

ComponentSystem Center 2022System Center 2025Cost Difference
Standard Edition License$1,323$1,455+$132
Management Licenses (50 endpoints)Included in base licenseIncluded in base license$0
Total Cost$1,323$1,455+$132 (+10.0%)

Medium Enterprise Deployment (500 managed endpoints)

ComponentSystem Center 2022System Center 2025Cost Difference
Datacenter Edition License$3,607$3,968+$361
Management Licenses (500 endpoints)Included in base licenseIncluded in base license$0
Total Cost$3,607$3,968+$361 (+10.0%)

Large Enterprise Deployment (2000 managed endpoints, multiple servers)

ComponentSystem Center 2022System Center 2025Cost Difference
Datacenter Edition Licenses (4 servers)$14,428$15,872+$1,444
Management Licenses (2000 endpoints)Included in base licenseIncluded in base license$0
Total Cost$14,428$15,872+$1,444 (+10.0%)

Value Justification Analysis

Value DriverSystem Center 2022System Center 2025ROI Enhancement
Security ImprovementsStandard security controlsComprehensive security enhancementsReduced security incident costs and compliance benefits
Azure IntegrationBasic Azure connectivityEnhanced Azure Arc integrationSimplified hybrid management reducing operational overhead
Infrastructure SupportLimited hybrid capabilitiesAzure Stack HCI and enhanced Linux supportBroader platform support reducing tool sprawl
Operational EfficiencyStandard management capabilitiesHotpatching and selective backup featuresReduced downtime and optimized backup performance
Future-Proofing2022 feature setModern security and cloud integrationExtended platform lifecycle and reduced migration costs

Strategic Recommendations

The 10% price increase for System Center 2025 is justified by substantial security enhancements, expanded platform support, and improved Azure integration capabilities that deliver measurable operational benefits. Organizations should evaluate their security requirements, hybrid cloud strategy, and infrastructure complexity when considering the upgrade from System Center 2022.

For organizations with significant Azure investments or hybrid cloud initiatives, the enhanced Azure Arc integration and Azure Stack HCI support provide compelling value that can offset the licensing cost increase through improved operational efficiency. The security enhancements, particularly the reduction in legacy authentication protocols and TLS 1.3 support, address critical compliance and security requirements that many organizations face.

Small businesses with limited hybrid requirements may find System Center 2022 sufficient for current needs, while enterprises managing complex, heterogeneous environments should prioritize System Center 2025 to leverage the enhanced security and integration capabilities. The consistent licensing model ensures predictable upgrade costs and simplified migration planning.

Organizations should consider their infrastructure modernization timeline, security compliance requirements, and Azure adoption strategy when choosing between versions. The maintained endpoint-based licensing and SQL Server Standard integration minimize additional licensing complexity while providing access to advanced management capabilities.


System Center 2025 represents a strategic evolution focused on security, modernization, and hybrid cloud integration. While the 10% price increase reflects continued development investments, the enhanced security framework, Azure Arc integration, and expanded platform support provide compelling value for organizations managing complex IT environments.

The consistent licensing model between versions facilitates straightforward upgrade planning, while new security and integration features provide competitive advantages that justify the investment. Organizations should align their System Center version choice with security requirements, hybrid cloud strategy, and infrastructure modernization goals to maximize return on investment.

References

[1] Microsoft. (2024, November 6). Microsoft System Center 2025 is now generally available

[2] The Register. (2024, October 3). Microsoft lifts the price of System Center by ten percent

[3] Microsoft TechCommunity. (2022, April 1). Announcement: System Center 2022 is here!

[4] Microsoft. (2025). System Center—Licensing & Pricing

Alex Cojocaru

Alex has been active in the software world since he started his career as an Analyst in 2011. He had various roles in software asset management, data analytics, and software development. He walked in the shoes of an analyst, auditor, advisor, and software engineer, being involved in building SAM tools, amongst other data-focused projects. In 2020, Alex co-founded Licenseware and is currently leading the company as CEO.