Microsoft Windows Server IPAM

What Microsoft Windows Server IPAM is

Microsoft Windows Server IPAM is an integrated suite for planning, deploying, managing, and monitoring IP infrastructure from a central interface. It can discover IP infrastructure and DNS servers on a network, manage DHCP scopes and failover, and organize IP address blocks and ranges. Its DNS tools collect zone and resource-record data and allow administrators to create, edit, or delete DNS records through the console. IPAM logs DNS configuration changes made through that console and includes role-based access control roles and access scopes. Microsoft's training module describes installation on a dedicated member server with WID or SQL Server storage, with GPO-based provisioning for DHCP, DNS, and domain controller discovery. DNS data collection is limited to domain-joined Microsoft DNS servers; third-party and non-domain-joined DNS servers are unsupported. Listed applicable versions are Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025, plus Azure Local 2311.2 and later. Windows Server 2025 Standard is listed at $1,176, paid once, and Datacenter at $6,771, paid once. These suggested MSRPs are for 16 core licenses; core-based licensing and a Windows Server CAL are required. Prices may vary by country.

Who it suits

IPAM suits administrators managing Microsoft-based IP infrastructure who need centralized discovery, DHCP, address, and DNS tools. The listed applicability covers specified Windows Server versions and Azure Local 2311.2 and later.

Limits

DNS collection is limited to domain-joined Microsoft DNS servers; third-party and non-domain-joined DNS servers are unsupported. Windows Server 2025 Standard is $1,176, paid once and Datacenter is $6,771, paid once; both prices are suggested MSRPs for 16 core licenses, and a Windows Server CAL is required.

Getting started

1. Visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server.
2. Install IPAM on a dedicated member server.
3. Choose WID or SQL Server storage.
4. Use GPO-based provisioning for DHCP, DNS, and domain controller discovery.
5. Manage IP address blocks, DHCP scopes, and DNS records from the console.

Verdict

IPAM centralizes several IP, DHCP, and DNS management tasks for supported Microsoft environments. Its DNS collection does not cover third-party or non-domain-joined DNS servers.