Windows Server Licensing in Testing Environment

[Catharsis]

The topic and description says it all. If there were a testing environment just for testing other software, and those machines were ghost imaged all the time and swapped around for different testing purposes, would Microsoft legally require there to be licenses for each of the servers? They can change machines all the time due to the ghosting going on. Also, they never go into the real world -- they would be testing for OTHER machines that WOULD be going into an actual production environment. This is not a "live" environment.

Also, if someone could provide clear documentation on this from Microsoft, that would be greatly appreciated, because I sure can't find it on their website.

[+BudMan MVC]

What agreement(s) do you have with MS currently?

A MSDN subscription would clearly allow for this. Do you have any type of volume licensing agreement?

[MagicMan]

I work for a Microsoft Gold Partner and we are allowed unlimited licenses (AFAIK) for Windows Server 2003 for use in a development/test environment.

If you do not currently have any kind of Volume deal etc... then I would suggest that techinally you would need a license for each copy of the software that is running at any one time. So if you were to run 6 test servers at any one time, then you would require 6 licenses.

My suggestion would be to visit the Microsoft website and download the 180 day evaluation of the Server Edition that you need to use for your testing purposes then you needn't worry about licensing.

[Catharsis]

  MagicMan said:

I work for a Microsoft Gold Partner and we are allowed unlimited licenses (AFAIK) for Windows Server 2003 for use in a development/test environment.

If you do not currently have any kind of Volume deal etc... then I would suggest that techinally you would need a license for each copy of the software that is running at any one time. So if you were to run 6 test servers at any one time, then you would require 6 licenses.

My suggestion would be to visit the Microsoft website and download the 180 day evaluation of the Server Edition that you need to use for your testing purposes then you needn't worry about licensing.

Yes, but then there's the date issue. It'd be a pain to roll it back all the time.

No agreement set up right now, but our licenses could be used for other things, rather than the test stuff. It'd sure help out.

[Catharsis]

Oh, wow, hey BudMan! Didn't realize it was you. Long time no talk.

[+BudMan MVC]

Hey.. ;)

If you have no MSDN or Volume/EA type aggrements with MS. I would suggest you call them - tell them what your doing, an what is the best way to be legal in doing it.

We own quite a few MSDN subscriptions an a full EA, I can ask our licensing guy.. But to be honest if you do not hold some type of agreement with them. I don't think what your doing is on the full up an up.

Your best bet is to just CALL THEM.. which would be much better info that what your going to get from some strangers on the net ;)

[Catharsis]

Anyone know of a way to call them to ask them this simple question without having to pay $99? I can't find a contact line on their site. Also, we are legit with 10 licenses...I'm just saying we could use them for other things outside Test.

[bobbba]

You could take out a technet subscription which gives you access to the software and licenses for evaluation purposes. It also give you 2 free support incidents.

[+BudMan MVC]

  Catharsis said:

Anyone know of a way to call them to ask them this simple question without having to pay $99? I can't find a contact line on their site.

Where exactly were you looking??? Maybe its just me -- but hmmm, lets see now.. License related question, maybe the licensing FAQ would have something :rofl:

Why what do you know - first freaking question.. hehehehe

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

Q. How can I get help with specific licensing questions?

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

Or you can call (800) 426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M.–5:30 P.M. Pacific Time to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist. Worldwide customers can see Microsoft licensing sites worldwide to find contact information in their locations.