What could be a reason for a federated server not being able to be designated as a hosting server?

A federated server needs to have a relational or tile data store configured to be designated as a hosting server because these data stores serve as the underlying storage location for hosted web layers. Without a properly configured data store, the server does not have the capability to manage the spatial data necessary for creating and serving hosted services. In the context of ArcGIS Enterprise, having a functional data storage system is a fundamental requirement for enabling various hosting capabilities, including the publishing of services and data management.

The other options present issues that do not directly prevent a server from being designated as a hosting server. Connectivity to the internet, while sometimes important for access to online services or updates, is not strictly necessary for establishing a hosting server status. Similarly, while having an up-to-date version of ArcGIS software is beneficial for optimal functionality and security, the software can still allow for configuration as a hosting server if all other requirements are met. Lastly, while user licenses are important for operational capacity and feature availability, the number of user licenses does not directly affect the ability to configure a federated server as a hosting server.