|
Microsoft has recently changed how they count licenses for server software running on virtualized systems to allow this software to move from one server to another in a server farm without licensing consequences. These changes will affect your SQL and other server licenses, and are indicative of the complexities of tracking true usage rights for software, instead of just installations.
Summary:
Effectively, the changes mean that instead of counting instances or processors and licensing by server, you are able to count instances or processors and license by server farm.
This is accomplished by allowing customers to reassign licenses freely across servers within a server farm.The changes apply to software licenses for certain server applications and all external connector (EC) licenses. In these cases, the limitation on short-term (90 days or less) license reassignment is waived.
This change does not apply to software licenses for the Windows Server® operating system, Client Access Licenses (CALs), or Management Licenses (MLs). This change applies only to licenses acquired under a Volume Licensing program. It does not apply to licenses acquired through other retail sources.
You can download the brief from Microsoft's web site by clicking the following link:
Make sure to read the fine print as well : > For example, Microsoft defines a server farm as up to two physical data centers that are no more than four hours apart by universal time zone or within the European trade zone. The devil's always in the details....
|
