Licensing issue with MS Sql and Win 2003 Srv

[danvlas]

Hi all,

I have come across one interesting issue with one OSL contract with Microsoft:

80 computers to run the latest OS version (now Win XP).
80 computers to run the latest Office version
2 Win Server 2003
80 client access licenses for Win Server 2003
2 SQL Servers licensed per processor (no client license require SQL Server)

We have more than 80 computers on the LAN (some 120), but only 80 meet the requirements.

Now I am told that one connection from LAN to SQL Server needs one CAL for Win 2003, whereas a connection from Internet does NOT need such a CAL.

We still have some 40 computers that cannot run Win XP or Office XP/2003, BUT can run one database client to connect to SQL Server.

This looks really awful, because:
1. We need to buy CALs for the old computers apart from the contract
2. When we replace one old computer with a new one, we will have to include it in OSL, so our CAL is no longer worth anything...

I know this is a programming forum, but since it's dealing with SQL Server I thought I may ask here.

If you have some comments, I'd be really glad to hear them. If not, maybe you could point me to some source of information on the subject.

Thank you in advance,



Daniel Vlas
Systems Consultant

http://www.geocities.com/danvlas/AutoMail.html

 

[mrdenny]

Daniel,
As far as I know you shouldn't need a license to connect to the Windows 2003 server OS when you are connecting to SQL providing that you are using TCP/IP to connect to SQL. If you are using named pipes then I can see you needing the OS license, but if you are using TCP/IP you shouldn't need a license to connect to the OS, since you aren't connecting to the OS.

I would check with your Microsoft Rep or call the Microsoft sales line to be sure. When I've called them in the past they have given me the straight answer even though it cost them a sale.

If you could let me know the answer to this when you get it I'd like to add it to my FAQ on licensing.

Denny

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)