Tech HELP: Software Audit - Looking for inexpensive Win2000 Adv Serv

[LawnGnome]

Not sure if this is the proper section for this (Mods, please point me in the right direction should I need to be else where) - but since it's kind of related...


Overview:
I work for a Tech Support Office at a University. Our small division is separate from the 'main' ITS. We took over duties from several server admins in addition to our regular work.

We've come to understand that our entire University will be experiencing surprise software audits. This is an internal audit, so basically they'll be going around to random computers - looking at the software installed and asking for proof of licenses. If we have them: good - if not: the software must be immediately removed. We're not worried about our computers or our college's faculty machines. Our problems are our Servers.

Problem:
We can not locate several licenses for software. Specifically, Windows 2000 Advanced Server.

It is no longer carried by our vendor so we can not get our standard academic rate. Also, it is not covered under our Campus Volume Licensing Agreement because it excludes server software.

We need to purchase 'several' copies of Windows 2000 Advanced Server.
Can anyone direct me to a vendor that might have said copies (legal) at a low price? Our technology budget is limited, and we really can't afford around nine copies at 1,000$ each.

Any suggestions? Or are we looking at full upgrades to Windows 2003 server which we can get from our Vendor cheap?

Thank you so much for your help.

 

[Smilin]

Educational institutions can get special pricing I believe.

Try this:

http://www.microsoft.com/education/howtobuy.mspx

 

[LawnGnome]

Yeah, we been informed we can have copies of Windows 2003 Server for 75$ a license.

We've poked around on here and spoken with our AER, Windows 2000 Adv Server is no longer covered (blast you M$!).

So we were hoping to find another outside source. We were hoping not to have to format all the servers and start from scratch.

 

[Daniel]

Any chance that 2003 has downgrade rights to 2000?

 

[LawnGnome]

This was the only information I was able to find about downgrading and operating systems directly from Microsoft:

Am I allowed to downgrade with my OEM operating system license?

ANSWER: OEM Operating system licenses (with the exception of Windows XP Professional) do not include downgrade rights.

The Windows XP EULA grants you a downgrade right, that is the right to install and run a previous version of Microsoft Windows. However, under the terms of the EULA, the Windows XP EULA remains applicable. In order to downgrade, it is necessary for you to accept the terms of the Windows XP EULA by going through the initial start-up process and accepting the Windows XP license. Thereafter, you (or the OEM, on your behalf if authorized) may delete Windows XP from the computer and install a prior version of Microsoft Windows. You user may not install a prior version unless your have deleted Windows XP from the computer system. The EULA specifically provides that neither the OEM nor Microsoft will provide support for the downgraded version or supply the media from which you will copy the downgraded version. You (or the OEM on your behalf) may use the media from any genuine Microsoft software for which it is legally licensed to install the downgrade software, for example: Select, Open, Retail (FPP) or system builder (E2E) media. (Note that the installation of a prior version of Microsoft Windows using media supplied in connection with another legally licensed computer does not affect the license status of such other computer (i.e. You do not have to delete the earlier version from the other PCs) Microsoft is simply authorizing you to use this media to accomplish the downgrade on the new computer system.) You retain the right to reinstall Windows XP at any time, provided you also delete the prior version.

Windows XP Professional is the only MICROSOFT OEM software product which grants such a downgrade right.

---
As the last sentence stated from M$ - it appears ONLY WinXP Pro is allowed to be 'downgraded'.

On the plus side, we may have found a distributor that has license only copies of Win2k Adv Serv. as well as CALs. Each Processor seat run around 250$. So hopefully this will work out.

 

[Daniel]

I'm not familiar with academic licensing at all but they wouldn't be considered OEM, would they? Maybe just call MS or even a good reseller and they should know about it.