Windows 2003 Licensing

[blubomber]

I have never been able to fully understand windows licensing. But it is my guess that i would have to purchase alot of windows 2003 CALs so that current users on my 2000 domain can gain access to a windows 2003 server. Is this correct?

Here is my scenario. I am experimenting with Windows 2003 server to run ISA 2000. If i do end up using this setup, then i am guessing i would have to purchase 100 Windows 2003 CALs for all the users to be able to use ISA. I am currently using an evaluation version of Win2K3 and ISA 2000.

Thank you for any replies and guidance.

[DVNT1]

MS licensing

You have a "per-device or per-user" licensing mode to chose from.

Normally you would want to purchase a W2k3 CAL for each workstation that needs to access a W2k3 server. How ISA relates, i'm not really sure.

A semi easy to read article on this can be found at http://www.directionsonmicrosoft.com...0203ws2gpl.htm

... be sure to look at the links on the bottom of that page too!

[implexant]

if was doing something that large, i'd call MS and ask them what i needed. that way you know your legal.

they have a pre-sales department that will answer info like that.

General Microsoft Sales information
6:00AM - 5:30 PM PST, Mon- Fri, excluding holidays
(800) 426-9400

Microsoft Technical Product Support Information
(800) 936-3500

-Chris

[DVNT1]

I mostly agree with implexant. Just don't settle for answers that don't seem right. I have had two significant disagreements with MS licensing reps that resulted in their admittance of being incorrect (after a few months of discussion). So I simply suggest doing some reading too.

[implexant]

Originally posted by DVNT1
I mostly agree with implexant. Just don't settle for answers that don't seem right. I have had two significant disagreements with MS licensing reps that resulted in their admittance of being incorrect (after a few months of discussion). So I simply suggest doing some reading too.

agreed. the most important tool in this would be the MS licensing site:

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/

it has valuable tools, articles, white papers, and so much more. chart out what you think you'll need, then call MS, have them tell you what they think you need. If its different that what you charted out, tell them, have them explain why.

another word of caution, do it right, the first time. all it takes is one disgruntled imployee to phone MS and your in a pit of lawsuits. its better to plan, and plan well, then to suffer later on.

and like DVNT1 said, don't believe answers from people that don't sound right. there are alot of people out there that like to twist this or that to make themselves feel better or to justify what they're doing. make sure you get your stuff straight from MS and that MS licensing website. you won't regrett it. and yes, sometimes MS is even wrong. so do your research!

good luck!

-Chris

[blubomber]

Thank you for the replies, links and info. I had been doing alot of research on the subject, but i have not called microsoft, and have come to the conclusion that i would have to buy win2k3 licences for users to be able to legaly access the new Win2k3 server. I did get a chance to install the new server and work with it a little and liked what i saw. But, for now i am going to have to go with win2k server as my ISA server.

So, thank you again for the replies.

[SeanC]

Since I'm waist deep in MS licensing for my company. What you would have to do is take stock of what licenses you have.

If your ISA server has a Windows 2000 Server license with enough CALs then you should look into getting 2003 Server upgrade licenses and CALs.

Sean