Windows Server 2003 Licensing/CALs

[Doric]

I'm putting together specs on a new Exchange server for my office, and am reading up on client licenses, CALs, etc. 80 user office.

I'm looking at getting just Windows Server 2003 Standard with the requisite 5 client licenses. Since this is not the domain controller, it's sufficient to order these licenses as device licenses, right? The only time the OS itself will be accessed will be when I log onto it directly for Exchange administration. Am I wrong?

To add to the mix - and please let me know if this changes the game up a bit - I'd like this device to also do my print services. About 15 printing/plotting devices. Surely those don't count as access licenses, do they?

And finally, the Exchange CALs. I have 25 CALs that were purchased for an Exchange 2000 rollout that never happened - I'm assuming that these CALs can be used in the Exchange 2003 environment, and then I only have to purchase 40 new CALs. Any reason this would be wrong?

I'm plugging around on Microsoft's website, but I thought I'd throw these questions out to you guys as well just in case. I'd like to not have to rely on my CDW salesman.

 

[spyordie007]

You may want to talk to Microsoft's customer service about this to be sure but here is how I understand it:

The 2003 server will need enough CALs to handle concurent connections (so if you have 80 users accessing a file share on it you need 80 CALs). You do not need CALs for your print devices.

As far as your Exchange 2000 CALs you cannot use them under 2003 however they will give you the ability to "upgrade" (buy the new ones at a reduced rate).

-Erik

 

[Sianath]

If your 80 users will be logging into or authenticating to the server, they all need their own CAL.


Count the computers and count the users. Whether or not you go User or Device CAL will depend on which of those numbers is lower. Factor in whether or not these users will be remote users, or only have local access. If they are going to have remote access, go with User and save yourself a lot of headache.

All CALs must match the version of the software they are used to access. If you are going to run Exchange 2003, you need CALs for 2003.

All the rules you need are in the Product Use Rights.