SQL Server 2005 from 2000 please advise

[JaredL]

My facility (60 users is bringing some applications in house that require SQL 2000. In 3 months we are going to upgrade to SQL 2005 (the applications are being upgraded). I do not want to purchase licenses and software for 2000 and then do the same thing in 3 months for 2005. So, my questions are:

1) Is there a way I can purchase 2005 but install 2000 for now and then upgrade at no additional cost in 3 months?

2) My server has two processors in a 60 user environment. What is the cheapest alternative to fulfilling licensing? Should I use a server cal plus 60 users? Is there an unlimited option to SQL 2005?

3) Where can i purchase SQL 2005/2000? Any suggestions?

Thanks....this forum rules,
JAREDL

 

[ptheriault]

Jared,

This link should help

http://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/default.mspx

As far as buying 2000 first then 2005. My company was able to buy just an upgrade. We didn't have to pay full price.

- Paul
- Database performance looks fine, it must be the Network!

 

[mrdenny]

You don't need to purchase SQL 2000. Purchase the SQL 2005 license now. Then downgrade using the builtin downgrade rights (You will have to provide you own SQL 2000 media). Then you are automatically covered for the SQL 2005 install (as that's what you purchased).

Check the FAQs over in the SQL Admin forum forum962. I've got an FAQ out there covering licensing SQL Server. The FAQ includes the math you need to figure out if CPU or CALs is the better option for you.

By my math if you go CALs the CALs will run you ~$8k US. Plus the cost of the server license. If you go standard edition for CPU licenses you are right on the edge of which is cheeper.

There is no such thing an unlimited users (unless you are talking about CPU licenses).

You can purchase direct from Microsoft at

http://shop.microsoft.com

or via any reseller (CDW, etc). A reseller can usually get you a better price than if you buy direct.

If after you read the FAQ you still have questions feel free to post them here of the Admin forum.

Paul, I'm not sure what software you purcahsed but Microsoft doesn't offer an upgrade license from SQL 2000 to SQL 2005.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000) / MCTS (SQL 2005) / MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005)

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

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[JaredL]

For everyone's help...thank you. I have enough info *I think* to purchase SQL.

JARED