> - There is a special case with some versions of Windows server, where
> you are allowed to install multiple instances of the system into
> virtual guests.
> On Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:16:29 -0400, "Mark Hudy" <(email address - cut out)>
> wrote:
>
>>A co-worker and I have an ongoing licensing argument about how to properly
>>license an MS Virtual Server.
>>
>>1) It is my belief that if I were to run 10 guest operating systems
>>consisting of Novell Netware v6.x, Linux, or other non-Microsoft NOS, I
>>would only have to license My windows 2003 server that is running the
>>Virtual Server.
>>1a) It is my co-workers belief that if I were to run 10 copies of a
>>non-Microsoft NOS, that I would have to purchase and shelve up to 10
>>copies
>>of Windows 2003 OS to be compliant.
>>
>>2) It is my belief that I can run as many guest OS'es as I wish until my
>>Virtual Server grinds to a halt.
>>2a) It is my co-workers belief that MS Virtual Server allows for 1 guest
>>OS.
>>Additional guest OS'es must have a shelved copy of Windows 2003 OS to be
>>compliant, once again.
>>
>>3) It is my belief that if I were to run 2003 Server as the Host and 4
>>copies of 2003 Server as the guest, I would have to purchase 5 copies of
>>2003 server and properly license/activate each.
>>
>>We've both read and tried interpreting the Microsoft Licensing grids, so
>>please don't send me a link. I'm hoping someone can answer this question
>>in
>>terms that my co-worker will understand. Which of us is on the right
>>track
>>here in terms of properly licensing Virtual Server? The fate of our
>>customers wallets hang in the balance !!
>>
>
> First:
> The Virtual Server (or Virtual PC) software itself is free-of-charge
> from Microsoft! So there is no licensing issues on that side.
>
> Next:
> Virtual server runs on both server and non-server Windows (I am
> running it on an XP-Pro PC for example). So mentioning Win 2003 server
> in this context is not needed.
>
> Then:
> The guiding principle concerning licensing is the following:
>
> - Any guest you create using VS2005 or VPC2007 is to be considered a
> *separate* PC with no ties whatsoever to the host system where it is
> implemented concerning licensing.
>
> So:
> - From this follows that licensing of operating systems is controlled
> by the licensing agreement of the different operating system makers.
> In the case of Linux, you are allowed to install as many systems as
> you like, so you can build a farm of 5 linux servers under VS2005
> without paying a penny to Microsoft (apart from the license you have
> already paid for the host system).
>
> - In the case of Windows operating systems the EULA Microsoft has put
> forth requires each PC running Windows to have a *separate* and
> *valid* license from Microsoft. A virtual PC created as a guest of
> VS2005 or VPC2007 counts as a separate PC. It must have a license to
> run Windows.
>
> - Another problem is that Microsoft does not issue licenses for
> operating systems older than XP anymore and XP will stop this summer
> too. So it is hard to run old systems legally....
>
> - There is a special case with some versions of Windows server, where
> you are allowed to install multiple instances of the system into
> virtual guests. But it only applies to a special kind of base license.
> Someone will surely fill in on this.
>
> Summary:
> 1: You are correct. No license for any non-Windows operating system.
>
> 2: You are right. You can install as many guest as you like provided
> you stick to the licensing of Windows per guest and nothing for Linux
> guests.
>
> 3: You are again correct. I license for the host and one each for any
> Windows guest.
>
>
> Bo Berglund

>A co-worker and I have an ongoing licensing argument about how to properly
>license an MS Virtual Server.
>
>1) It is my belief that if I were to run 10 guest operating systems
>consisting of Novell Netware v6.x, Linux, or other non-Microsoft NOS, I
>would only have to license My windows 2003 server that is running the
>Virtual Server.
>1a) It is my co-workers belief that if I were to run 10 copies of a
>non-Microsoft NOS, that I would have to purchase and shelve up to 10 copies
>of Windows 2003 OS to be compliant.
>
>2) It is my belief that I can run as many guest OS'es as I wish until my
>Virtual Server grinds to a halt.
>2a) It is my co-workers belief that MS Virtual Server allows for 1 guest OS.
>Additional guest OS'es must have a shelved copy of Windows 2003 OS to be
>compliant, once again.
>
>3) It is my belief that if I were to run 2003 Server as the Host and 4
>copies of 2003 Server as the guest, I would have to purchase 5 copies of
>2003 server and properly license/activate each.
>
>We've both read and tried interpreting the Microsoft Licensing grids, so
>please don't send me a link. I'm hoping someone can answer this question in
>terms that my co-worker will understand. Which of us is on the right track
>here in terms of properly licensing Virtual Server? The fate of our
>customers wallets hang in the balance !!
>

> - Another problem is that Microsoft does not issue licenses for
> operating systems older than XP anymore and XP will stop this summer
> too. So it is hard to run old systems legally....