Newbie Licensing Question

[kyle783]

Hi,

I'm pretty new to the whole Windows server thing. I have been assigned to set up a new network for my company, to run a new ERP solution. We have ordered 2 servers, which I currently have in my possession. Now I need to purchase operating systems, licenses, and SQL database software/licenses. The ERP solution calls for Windows server 2003 R2, and I plan on purchasing the x64 edition for our xeon servers. I will need 2 copies of this, one for the database server and one for the server that will run Terminal Services. However, I am told that I now need to purchase Windows server 2008 server AND Client licenses, and then downgrade these licenses so I can use them for windows server 2003. I have read up a lot on this topic, especially on Microsoft's website, but I am still very confused. Mainly I just want to make sure that I don't go out and spend 5500 dollars on the wrong stuff. We will have 10 users accessing the ERP system.

I will need to purchase the following:

2 windows server x64 licenses
10 user cals to access the servers
10 terminal server cals
1 SQL server 2005 x64 server license
10 SQL server 2005 user cals

I'm hoping someone can clarify the following... Based on the above list I am assuming I will need...

- 2 Windows Server 2008 no hyper-V licenses - Open Business (Then downgrade to win2k3 R2)
- 10 Windows server 2008 User CALs - Open Business (Do i need to downgrade these as well to work with win2k3?)
- 10 Windows server 2008 TS CALS - Open Business (Do i need to downgrade these as well to work with win2k3?)
- 1 SQL server 2005 x64 server license
- 10 SQL server 2005 user licenses
- 1 Windows server 2003 R2 x64 Media Only
- 1 SQL Server 2005 x64 Media Only

Or instead, can I buy a Windows server 2008 package including media + 5 or 10 cals, and downgrade all of this for use with 2003? If so, retail or OEM? Or do I need to purchase all licenses separately and then the win2k3 media?

I know these are annoying newbie questions, but its been driving me nuts.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Kyle

 

[force5]

Hi Kyle,

downgrading is really no big deal...You pay for the licenses of 2008 and then they also provide the downgrade media for 2003. I belive it was about 25$ for Office downgrade. We have to do this 100% of the time with Microsoft Office, since it is not quite in the budget to migrate to Office 2007. We but licenses for 2007 but they provide the downgrade to 2003. Do you have a Microsoft rep, or a Dell rep that can help you? ERP is nothing to mess around with because depending on what applications you are going to run (accounting, quickbooks, etc.), they may require seperate licenses based on how many processors you have. SQL is licensed like that and I see it on your post. So be carful not to run illegally.

What brand name of servers are you going to purchase? Whatever the brand, they have server specialists that can help you through all of this and they are the experts. I would establish contact with a rep to be safe.

c ya

Thanks,

Chad
Network Administrator

 

[theravager]

Microsoft licensing is a nightmare it changes like the weather.

I always ask either the software wholesaler to spec it out or a microsoft rep and get it in a email so you can't go wrong.

Theres a million and one ways to do licensing and its best left to the guys that do it all day imo.

 

[GrimR]

SQL has two types of licensing per user and CPU, depends on the amount of users, you will have connecting to the box.
SQL 2008 cannot be downgraded to 2005 as far as I know.