Server 2008 R2 to Server 2012 upgrade licensing

[Harrison H.]

My company was granted some money via the UPS CTP program so we purchased a server from HP. We placed the order a few days ago, and it comes with 2008 R2 pre-installed (not configurable). Is there anything similar to the Windows 8 upgrade for $15 if you purchase a new PC, but for servers? If not, it's not a big deal. It would be nice to get 2012 though if possible.

Please don't say we should have waited. With the CTP program, you have to spend the money all at once, and we had to purchase a few laptops that we couldn't wait on the change to the server offering.

[Aergan]

Not heard of any offerings for Server 2012 yet other than they offer an expirable 180 day trial of both current releases. If you have an agreement (Volume licence or Software Assurance) I would drop your account manager an email or express your interest.

[Harrison H.]

That's what I was afraid of. This is an OEM pre-installed copy, and I do not believe it came with software assurance, unless that's built into the OEM licenses (doubtful). Unfortunately HP couldn't do anything for us in regards to 2012 when we placed the order.

[+John Teacake MVC]

Sometimes I THINK you can get a license from Microsoft for Windows Server. That means you can run any version you choose. Check if you are entitled to this.

[Japlabot]

I think that you can buy Software Assurance subscription separately. Also check what the upgrade path is to see that the bundled Edition is actually on the upgrade path with SA. With the CALs, get 2012 CALs as they are downgradeable to be 2008 CALs, so it is future proofed if you do get 2012 in the future. You will have to activate the licenses manually through Microsoft Clearinghouse as a 2008 Licensing Server won't activate 2012 licenses automatically.

[Harrison H.]

I think that you can buy Software Assurance subscription separately. Also check what the upgrade path is to see that the bundled Edition is actually on the upgrade path with SA. With the CALs, get 2012 CALs as they are downgradeable to be 2008 CALs, so it is future proofed if you do get 2012 in the future. You will have to activate the licenses manually through Microsoft Clearinghouse as a 2008 Licensing Server won't activate 2012 licenses automatically.

As I said, nothing 2012 was available. The server is pre-configured (defined by the program), so we barely got to choose anything there. We were lucky to get the CALs approved for purchase, and of course we had to pick 2008 CALs. It's great that UPS has the CTP program, but it's terrible because everything you purchase is pre-configured, and it isn't easy to get customization approved.

[sc302 Veteran]

There is no upgrade path for servers. So no, there is no inexpensive upgrade.

[Harrison H.]

There is no upgrade path for servers. So no, there is no inexpensive upgrade.

I know there is no technical upgrade path, I was just hoping there was some sort of "you got screwed into an old version after the release of the new, you are entitled to either" sort of option.

[Japlabot]

You need Software Assurance for this