Win 2K3 Licensing - how

[JerryBarrett]

Hi Guys

I have a system with an overloaded Win2K3 SBS server - we brought a Win2K3 Std server to move databases to from the SBS server.

The SBS server is licensed for 45 users, of that theres about 28 users using databases so we brought an additional 25 (5) licensing CALS for the new server - giving 30 in all.

I'm trying to install the licenses and unlike SBS, theres no Authentication code on the CAL certs and theres no where on the Win2K Std server to enter any licensing data.

How does the server know the 25 additional licenses I added are valid? did I just waste a load of money on CALS?

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Jerry

 

[baronne]

You need to turn on the licensing service for this, usually it's running on your domain controller.

The thing is you have to buy CALS for machines/device or users accessing the server. You have two options:
Per Server : where the server has 'x' number of CALs and will allow 'x' number of concurrent connections to that server only

Per User/Device: where the CAL is held by the user or device and can access any server on the network.

Also what database are you referring to? If it's SQL Server, you'll need SQL CALs too.

:: baronne
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"lekker, shot bru

 

[dkediger]

Umm, the SBS licenses you already have cover access to other Windows servers in the SBS domain.

If these were new, additional users you were adding, you would have needed to acquire SBS licenses, as they would be authenticating against the SBS domain. If these are existing users, then they were already covered with your 45 SBS licenses.

 

[baronne]

but aren't SBS CALs different from standard windows 2003 server CALs?

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/howtobuy/CALs.mspx

:: baronne
------------------
"lekker, shot bru

 

[dkediger]

From the SBS Licensing FAQ:

Q. I want to have additional Windows-based servers in my Windows Small Business Server 2003 domain. Do I need CALs for those servers?

A. Your Windows Small Business Server 2003 CALs cover you for any additional Windows-based servers in the domain. You do not need to buy additional CALs for them.

The SBS differs in that it bundles the separate CALs needed for Exchange and/or SQLServer into a single "Server and Apps" CAL.

 

[baronne]

ahh.. it's a bit of a minefield the ol' windows licensing world ain't it?

:: baronne
------------------
"lekker, shot bru

 

[dkediger]

Yeah - In general, the SBS CAL is a pretty good setup - its a single license for the whole ball of wax. Well, except for the desktop OS; I think it would be a great enhancement if they went ahead and added the desktop OS in as well - then it would truly be all inclusive.

Note that adding additional, stand alone App servers, like an additional Exchange or SQLServer box beyond the SBS bundled Exchange or SQLServer, does require the appropriate standalone Exchange or SQLServer CAL.

 

[JerryBarrett]

Hi Guys - Thanks for your words of wisdom.

Grrrrr, when I ordered these licenses I was catagorically told by the rep I needed additional server licenses. Arrrgghhhh.

I feel I have ripped off my company now by having them pay for them again - like an idiot I have opened them all.

Hangs head in shame.

Jerry

 

[captaincrunch00]

Call 1-800-microsoft and they can walk you through what you need or dont need to buy.

 

[dkediger]

Jerry - I would still try to return them. Were they acquired through a reseller like CDW/NewEgg or other local dealer? If so, hopefully you have some record of the rep who advised you, reference them specifically to the SBS Licensing FAQ, and raise hell. Contact Microsoft if that doesn't get you any satisfaction - all the big resellers have Microsoft reps for Licensing.