Server 2003 Eval Kit

[Matt]

I've had one of these laying around my house for over 2 years now and I wanted to know if i install this on my new server will there be any funtions disabled or will I get the full functionality of Server 2003 when I install it. Secondly, if I install it and I use the 180 day trial, is there an option to purcahse a single license directly from microsoft or must I buy a bundle and start from there? My last question would be, in your opinion, would you try to purchase 1-2 licenses or use the 180 trial first, if you get full functionality of Server 2003 Enterprise Edition with the eval kit.

[Pilsbury]

It's fully functional.

However, I would guess that if you are buying it at the end of the eval, you'll probably not be looking to buy Enterprise, but Standard.

Which will require a re-install.

[Matt]

Im sure i will need enterprise, but the key question would be, since I have the evaluation kit, will I be able to purchase a single license from microsoft or will be I be forced to buy a license pack from a retailer?

[Pilsbury]

Why will you need Enterprise?

Does your server have more than 4 physical processors? More than 4GB of RAM? Going to be in a cluster?

What are you planning to do with the server and what spec is it?

I don't understand what you mean by a single license and a license pack, but the normal way of buying a single copy would be through a distributor. Standard is about $1k and Enterprise is $4K. That's a big difference.

[Matt]

  Pilsbury said:

Why will you need Enterprise?

Does your server have more than 4 physical processors? More than 4GB of RAM? Going to be in a cluster?

What are you planning to do with the server and what spec is it?

I don't understand what you mean by a single license and a license pack, but the normal way of buying a single copy would be through a distributor. Standard is about $1k and Enterprise is $4K. That's a big difference.

Yes i will have more than 4 GB on the server. I will be running database intensive games on the box.

This is what i am talking about. Windows Server 2003 Standard SP1 5 clients for 700 dollars.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16832102344

[Pilsbury]

What spec is the server? What make / model?

[Matt]

  Pilsbury said:

What spec is the server? What make / model?

Ordering a Dual Opteron 248, 6GB pc3200, 2x 36GB 15k SCSI drives, etc.

[Pilsbury]

Just get 2003 with the hardware then. Far cheaper than getting it on it's own.

[Matt]

What do you mean? They bundle windows 2003 with hardware? Oh, im building this server myself.

[Pilsbury]

Wouldn't you be better to buy a pre-built server with a proper warranty and support?

Seeing as you're talking in the region of $6K for the server and $4k for the OS...