License version for sbs 2003 server 2

[mark83t]

I just brought a 5 pack of OEM SBS 2003 CALS. I just want to make sure before I open it that it will be OK. Firstly I assume that sbs 2003 has to be an oem version. I didn't install the server so am not sure if it is an oem version or not. Is there a way to find this out with out actually seeing the COA on the server? I was going to enter the licenses remotely as server is an hour drive away.
They state very clearly that is for server manufacturers and assemblers only. I am assuming that this is also not a problem.
Many thanks
Mark

 

[markdmac]

Since you have remote access, right click My Computer and choose properties. If you see OEM in the CD key you know that it is a match.

I hope you find this post helpful. Please let me know if it was.

Regards,

Mark

 

[ShackDaddy]

When CALs are sold as OEM, it means that they can only be bought A) by a computer vendor who builds systems or B) by a consumer who is buying the hardware piecemeal and can therefore pass as "an OEM". Technically, since you didn't install the server, you shouldn't be installing these licenses. They aren't marked OEM just to match an OEM license of SBS. OEM is about who you are and what role you are playing in regards to the server's existence, not some special licensing track you need to keep up consistency on.

If you look on EBAY or Froogle for CALs, you'll see that all the cheapest ones are marked OEM. Basically, they are being illegally sold.

Microsoft only sells them to people that can prove that they are an OEM, and OEMs are aloud to pass on the software to people that specifically have bought a certain critical mass of hardware.

So to answer your question...yes, your system will be fine with these CALs installed. They will do everything they are supposed to do. But technically you got a discount on them that M$ didn't intend you to have.

ShackDaddy

 

[ITPangaeaArchitect]

im gonna pretend i didnt read any of that there


recommendation is to disable the license logging service anyway....
it will not longer be a part of windows here shortly (longhorn)

keep your pieces of paper and pray you never get audited for licenses

who did you buy the CALs from?



-Brandon Wilson
MCSE00/03, MCSA:Messaging, MCSA03, A+
almost got a paragraph there