WSS FAQ Windows (Storage) Server 2012 R2 Products and Editions Comparison
For W8900 W12000 & W16000 please visit following link from Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=41703&WT.mc_id=rss_alldownloads_all
*Please note:
The MS license needs to be purchased separately
Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard"(WS2012R2) with Active Directory Domain Services.
Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 Standard"(WSS2012R2) without Active Directory Domain Services.
For W2000(+) W4000(+) & W5000(+)
Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 Essentials (WSSE2012R2) support following major function:
- The MS license included
- Active Directory Domain Services
- Ability to join a domain
- Data Deduplication
- Networking infrastructure (including DNS, DHCP, and WINS)
- No Windows Server Client Access Licenses (CALs) required
http://wss.thecus.com/product_W5000.php -> Specifications