Does anyone here understand MS Windows licensing really well? Cuz I'm getting a headache.

Here's how I think it goes:
Win2k3 SBS Standard = Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition features
Win2k3 SBS Premium = Windows 2003 Server Enterprise Edition (with ISA server, SQL2000, yada yada)

CAL's
User CAL, Device CAL. Gotta choose. Simple enough.

But then, gotta license the individual components, requiring:
Windows CAL's
Exchange CAL's
MS TSC CAL's
SQL2000 CAL's

Okay, so if I were to buy a Win2k3 SBS Premium pack with 5 CAL's, is that 5 Windows CAL's only? IE: only licensed to log on to the domain and file/print share, but no terminal services, no exchange email etc... even though the runtimes for those are included in the package?

In other words, SBS Premium =
5 Windows CAL's
Exchange runtime (requires CAL's)
MS TSC runtime (requires CAL's)
SQL2000 runtime (requires CAL's)

Or maybe, I'd get 5 TS CAL's included? Or maybe (very very maybe) I'd get 5 Exchange + TS CAL's included?

I think it's prolly just the Windows CAL's. /sigh Gotta license every other "included" component seperately according to how many users will access it. Or, I could license per processor for many of those runtime components, which may come out on top for per user/device cost.

Okay, once I have my server licenses figured out, gotta look at client licenses.

In Win2k, if you had Win2k professional workstations, there was a clause allowing you to connect to the server without needing a Windows CAL for each station. It was 'included' in the Win2k pro O/S. Well, not really, I think the wording was that you can connect without needing a CAL if your workstation O/S is the same version or higher.

With Win2k3 server they've done away with this clause. However, from what I read, I can use WinXP pro the same way if I get the SA plan for the workstation? I'm confused. Or, even without the Software Assurance plan I can use WinXP Pro to connect without needing a CAL, but I'd be taking the risk of not having the CAL be 'upgradable' in any migration path. Ie: good for 1 O/S generation only.

aybe I should install RH Linux everywhere instead.

Any clarification from MS know-it-alls would be appreciated. ;)


Wyte

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/faq.asp

(snip)
<b>Q: How can I get someone to help me with specific licensing questions?</b>

A: Review the Licensing section for information on specific program details, licensing briefs, and other resources.

Or you can call 1-800-426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. (Pacific time) to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist. Worldwide customers can use the Guide to Worldwide Microsoft Licensing Sites to find contact information in their locations.

Gotta love 800 numbers! Thanks Stormhaven.

Wyte

Wyte..do me a fave will ya....when you find out (im not US so i cant call) post what they said please :)


Tils

Disclaimer: This information is from personally calling a Microsoft Canada representative, for which I make no gaurantees on accuracy or content.

Okay here's the thing.. talked to a Microsoft Rep, and he could not provide documentation for the following, only an email stating it was so:

Every Win2K3 "CAL" entitles you to use every part of Win2K3 except Terminal Services. Seperate CAL's must be purchased for TS.

So, with "Standard", each Win2K3 SBS CAL entitles you to (per user/per device):
File/Print (Sharepoint)
Exchange / Outlook 2003 client

With "Premium", each Win2K3 SBS CAL entitles you to (per user/per device):
File/Print (Sharepoint)
Exchange / Outlook 2003 client
SQL 2000
ISA


I was quite surprised, but that's what he said.


Wyte