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This page contains answers to commonly asked questions about Windows Essential Business Server 2008.
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Q. What is Windows Essential Business Server 2008?
A.
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 is a new, integrated multi-server solution designed for midsize businesses with up to 300 PCs. It provides the essential technology needed for a highly secure and reliable infrastructure. Powered by the new Windows Server 2008 operating system, Windows Essential Business Server 2008 combines software for management, messaging, and security features into one integrated server solution that will help customers increase the manageability and reliability of their IT systems, and boost businesses productivity and growth.
Q. What editions will Windows Essential Business Server 2008 be available in?
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 will be available in two editions: Standard and Premium.
Standard Edition will run on three hardware servers and Premium Edition will run on four.
Visit the Editions page for more information.
Q. Why is Microsoft creating Windows Essential Business Server?
Midsize businesses are typically staffed with one to three IT Professionals who must support and manage all of the company's IT needs. These IT professionals are commonly stretched very thin on time and resources. They want an IT infrastructure that is very easy to consume, easy to acquire, manage, and deploy, allowing them to focus on more strategic activities to help drive more business value.
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 brings Microsoft technologies together into a single solution. It has an integrated setup with out-of-the-box configuration settings based on best practices for midsize businesses. This makes it easy to install and maintain, providing optimal protection and a new management experience. Windows Essential Business Server 2008 is affordably priced for midsize businesses, allowing customers to take advantage of a licensing discount not usually seen until enterprise scale.
Q. What research was undertaken to understand the needs of midsize businesses?
Microsoft conducted a variety of research to understand midsize customers and looked at everything from environment, habits, and practices, to features and support. This included multi-country onsite visits, quantitative studies, participation of customer and partner advisory boards and counsels, customer visits to Microsoft, and technical betas and adoption programs.
Q. How will a midsize business benefit from this new solution?
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 is an "all-in-one" server solution designed to help midsize businesses save time and money, and significantly increase their productivity. Midsize businesses know that IT investments are crucial to maintaining competitiveness, but they also face having fewer IT resources than larger enterprises. Windows Essential Business Server 2008 combines best practices and technologies to give midsize businesses the tools and infrastructure they need to proactively monitor and manage their environment, automate common tasks, and simplify their daily activities so they can be more productive.
Q. When will Windows Essential Business Server 2008 be available?
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 is slated for availability in the second half of 2008, as part of the Windows Server 2008 "wave" of products.
Q. How is Windows Essential Business Server 2008 designed to simplify IT activities?
IT Professionals will find the acquisition, setup, and ongoing management of IT vastly simplified. Windows Essential Business Server 2008 provides a unified console for management of key IT workloads, it is pre-configured with built-in best practices, and it will be licensed—with a Standard and Premium Edition—in a way that makes IT budgeting and purchase simpler and more predictable.
Q. How do Microsoft partners play a role with Windows Essential Business Server?
Microsoft has been working with our hardware and software partners since we began development of Windows Essential Business Server, and they are excited about the opportunities it presents to help our joint customers in midsize businesses. A variety of hardware makers will provide ideal systems for Windows Essential Business Server, and customers will be able to deploy and manage third-party software applications through its unified administration console.
Q. Which hardware vendors will support Windows Essential Business Server 2008?
We anticipate there will be a wide variety of hardware options for you to choose for Windows Essential Business Server 2008. Fujitsu Siemens Corporation, HP, IBM, and Intel have already signaled plans to deliver hardware.
Q. Will there be a next version of Windows Essential Business Server (EBS)? When will Microsoft release it?
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 is an important part of the Windows Server family, and we are fully committed to expanding the capabilities of this solution to meet the needs of our SMB customers. In fact, we are currently hard at work building the next version of Windows EBS. We don’t have any additional details to share at this point about release schedules, and such.
Q. Is the version of Windows Server in Windows Essential Business Server different than the full stand-alone Windows Server?
Other than the license limit of 300, the Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition technologies in Windows Essential Business Server must be the root of the network forest, and there cannot be any child domains or AD trusts with another forest.
Q. What is Forefront Threat Management Gateway?
Forefront Threat Management Gateway is the future version of the Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server (ISA Server) and will extend the capabilities of ISA Server with new features and security technologies.
Q. Are there any differences between ISA 2006 and Forefront Threat Management Gateway that are in Windows Essential Business Server?
Yes. The two key differences are that Forefront Threat Management Gateway will provide an integrated setup and user interface for ease of management and configuration, and it will offer updated reporting, monitoring, and logging.
Q. Does Windows Essential Business Server 2008 include SharePoint Services 3.0?
It will be available as a free download and we will provide guidance on installing it in Windows Essential Business Server 2008 as an add-in, manageable within the EBS console.
Q. Will the Windows Essential Server Solutions (WESS) family support the Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (WS 2008 SP2)?
Yes – Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (Windows EBS 2008), Windows Small Business Server 2008 (Windows SBS 2008) & Windows Server 2008 for Windows Essential Server Solutions (WinWESS) will all support WS 2008 SP2. Current users will be able to get WS 2008 SP2 through Windows Update and can obtain additional details and download information on the Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 page on TechNet.
Q. How much will Windows Essential Business Server 2008 cost and how will customers buy it?
Visit the Pricing page to find details on Standard and Premium Edition prices and Client Access License (CAL) pricing. Windows Essential Business Server 2008 will be available in channels—including Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Open, and System Builder—after general release.
Q. How much does a Forefront Security for Exchange Server or Forefront Threat Management Gateway Medium Business Edition subscription cost with EBS 2008 and how do I order them?
Visit the Subscription Services page to find details on Forefront Security for Exchange Server or Forefront Threat Management Gateway Medium Business Edition subscriptions for EBS 2008. Windows Essential Business Server 2008 includes a one-year subscription for Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server and a one-year subscription for Web Antimalware for Forefront Threat Management Gateway, Medium Business Edition. To renew the subscriptions:Forefront Security for Exchange Server: Visit the Licensing Overview page for additional information and renew your subscription at the Purchasing Options page. Forefront Threat management Gateway Medium Business Edition: Renew your subscription at the Purchasing Options page.
Q. How does Windows Essential Business Server 2008 simplify licensing?
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 provides a single Client Access License (CAL) for all included products and offers new technologies which simplify license management. Within the administration console, IT Professionals can easily ascertain how many licenses they have, who the licenses are assigned to and, when an employee leaves the company, easily re-assign licenses.
Q. How will Windows Essential Business Server 2008 be licensed?
Customers purchase Client Access Licenses (CALs) for the number of users or devices they wish to connect to Windows Essential Business Server 2008. Single CALs make Windows Essential Business Server 2008 licensing more flexible and cost-effective. To learn more, visit the Licensing page.
Q. What is the license limit for Windows Essential Business Server 2008?
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 is designed for use with up to 300 desktops.
Q. It seems Small Business Server 2008 and Essential Business Server 2008 offer similar technologies and capabilities. Why is EBS so much more expensive?
EBS 2008 includes more technologies for midsized organizations, whereas SBS 2008 is designed for smaller organizations. EBS 2008 Standard Edition includes three instances of Windows Server 2008 Standard technologies, for example. It also includes technologies not included with SBS: System Center Essentials and Forefront Threat Management Gateway (the next version of ISA Server); and Premium Edition includes Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition over and above everything included in Standard Edition. Finally, EBS 2008 is licensed for up to 300 users versus SBS 2008, which is licensed for companies with up to 75 users.
Q. Where can I buy EBS 2008?
ESB 2008 will be available to purchase via volume license programs, system builders, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Q. Can I separate the components of Windows Essential Business Server 2008? That is, run Exchange 2007 and/or SQL 2008 on separate servers?
No. The components of Windows Essential Business Server cannot be separated. Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard Edition has three logical servers—messaging server, security server, and management server—and the components of these servers cannot be separated. In the case of Windows Essential Business Server Premium Edition, the fourth copy of Windows Server 2008 Standard and SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition can be run separately. In summary, Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard Edition can be run on up to three hardware servers and Premium Edition on up to five hardware servers.
Q. How many hardware servers am I allowed to use to run Windows Essential Business Server 2008, for both the Standard and Premium editions?
The Windows Essential Business Server 2008 license grants you the right to run the Standard edition on up to three hardware servers. For the Premium edition, you have the right to run the additional copy of Windows Server 2008 Standard on a fourth server. Additionally, for the copy of SQL Server 2008 included in the Premium edition, you have the right to run it on a fifth server if desired. In other words, you can run it on a copy of Windows Server that you obtained outside of the copies that are included as part of Windows Essential Business Server 2008.
Q. The EBS 2008 solution comes with several Windows Server 2008 Standard technologies licenses. If I choose to, can I use one of those licenses to run the 32-bit version of Windows Server?
For EBS 2008 Standard Edition, the answer is no: – the operating system environment is 64-bit only. For EBS 2008 Premium Edition, the answer is yes: – the Windows Server 2008 Standard license is applicable for 32-bit or 64-bit versions, and for your convenience, we ship both in your EBS 2008 Premium Edition package.
Q. What are downgrade rights? How do I exercise them?
Downgrade rights, in general, means that you can use an earlier version of the software acquired. Since this is the first version of Windows Essential Business Server, there are no earlier versions to "downgrade" to.
Q. EBS 2008 comes with several copies of Windows Server 2008 Standard technologies. Can I exercise my downgrade rights and run earlier versions of Windows Server within the EBS domain?
No. Components of the EBS solution cannot be separated. Downgrade rights apply to the solution—that is, if EBS 2008 had an earlier version, then the components that make up that version could be downgraded. However, since EBS 2008 is the first version, there are no applicable downgrade rights.
Q. Does EBS 2008 licensing allow for virtualization? (For example, Windows Server 2008 Standard includes Hyper-V with a license to run one server operating system in Hyper-V.)
For EBS 2008 Standard Edition: You can run one instance of each of the management server software, the security server software, and the messaging server software in a physical or virtual operating system environment (OSE) on up to 3 servers at any one time.
For EBS 2008 Premium Edition: You can run one instance of each of the management server software, the security server software, the messaging server software, and “premium server” software in a physical or virtual OSE on up to 5 servers at any one time. For the premium server software,
You can run an instance of Windows Server 2008 Standard in a physical or virtual OSE; and if you run a virtual OSE, you can run an additional instance of Windows Server 2008 in a physical OSE in order to run hardware virtualization software or provide hardware virtualization services or run software to manage and service operating system environments on the licensed server.
You can run any number of instances of SQL in one physical or virtual machine, and it must be joined to the EBS domain.
Q. There is a server management component to the EBS 2008 solution. How does the licensing work with respect to that component? Does the EBS 2008 CAL cover the licensing requirement?
The Systems Center Essentials 2007 component of the EBS 2008 solution has two categories of management licenses: server and client.
For the server management, the EBS 2008 CAL does not cover the management licensing requirement. However, the EBS 2008 Standard Edition license includes 12 Server Management Licenses (SMLs), 10 for the customer’s use and one for each of the messaging and the security servers. The EBS 2008 Premium Edition license includes 14 or 15 SMLs, depending on the customer’s use of the premium software, 10 SMLs for the customer’s use, one for each of the messaging and the security servers, one or two SMLs for the fourth copy of Windows Server 2008 Standard, depending on whether this copy is being run on a physical or virtual machine, and one for SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition.
For the client management, the EBS 2008 CAL does cover the management licensing requirement. Note that there may be scenarios where a device may not access the server (therefore does not require an EBS 2008 CAL) but needs to be managed and therefore a client management license (CML) would be required (i.e., purchased separately) in order to be in compliance with your license.
Q. What is the maximum number of SCE SMLs permitted by the SCE software?
Windows Essential Business Server supports up to 30 System Center Essentials 2007 (SCE) Server Management Licenses (SMLs), the maximum number of SCE SMLs permitted by the SCE software. SCE SMLs are included with the purchase of Windows Essential Business Server (EBS):
12 SCE SMLs with EBS Standard Edition
15 SCE SMLs with EBS Premium Edition
A SCE SML is not required for the operating system environment hosting SCE. Additional SCE SMLs may be purchased for managing additional operating system environments in the EBS domain without exceeding maximum of 30 SMLs.
Q. Are Server Management Licenses (SMLs) and Client Management Licenses (CMLs) tracked as part of EBS 2008 license tracking functionality?
No. SMLs and purchased CMLs are not included in the EBS 2008 license tracking functionality and must be tracked separately. EBS 2008 CALs are tracked.
Q. What is the difference between a Windows Essential Business Server 2008 server license and a Client Access License (CAL)?
The Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard Edition or Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Premium Edition license gives you the right to install and use the server software corresponding to the edition you purchased. The Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL gives you the right for a device or user to access the server software. You need both types of licenses in order to be in compliance.
Q. What are the differences between user CALs and device CALs? Why are both types offered?
A user CAL permits one user (using any device) to access the server software. A device CAL permits one device (used by any user) to access the server software. Both types are offered to allow customers cost-effective licensing options. For example, per-user CALs are most effective when an employee uses several devices to access the server, such as a work computer and a home computer. Per-device CALs are most effective when several employees use the same device to access the server, such as rotating shifts in a call center.
Q. What is the difference between the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite and the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices?
The Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite should be purchased for each user or device that accesses the Windows Essential Business Server network, irrespective of whether the Windows Essential Business Server network is running Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard or Premium. The Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices should be purchased for only those users or devices accessing the premium features of Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Premium server software.
Q. Why are there two kinds of CALs (both with user or device options) being offered for Windows Essential Business Server?
This is a new licensing option that Microsoft has introduced in order to maximize licensing flexibility to better address our customers’ business needs. By offering both a “Standard” CAL and a “Premium” CAL, customers who are using Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Premium Edition have the option to purchase Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices for only those users or devices that are using the premium features, thus keeping the costs at a minimum and staying in compliance with the licensing terms. Having two kinds of CALs also allows Microsoft to keep the pricing for Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite (the “Standard” CAL) as low as possible to provide customers with a cost-effective solution.
Q. Can I choose if the five CALs that come with the server software are Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite or Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices?
No, the five CALs that come packaged with the server software purchase correspond to the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 edition you acquired. That is, if you purchased Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard Edition, you get Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite; and if you purchased Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Premium Edition, you get five Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices.
Q. Are any of the EBS 2008 CALs concurrent?
No. Neither of the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CALs are concurrent. They are per user or per device only.
Q. Can I have both user CALs and device CALs on my Windows Essential Business Server network?
Yes. However, experience has shown that this introduces uncertainty and complexity to managing your licenses and staying in compliance. We strongly recommend you determine which type is prevalent or preferable on your network, and then use only those CALs.
Q. Can I split a CAL pack into user and device CALs?
No. This type of a situation is one that customers will not face. Microsoft is introducing another option to increase your licensing flexibility to allow for complete scalability of your cost in relation to your usage in that both Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite and Windows Essential Business Server CAL Suite for Premium User or Devices will be available in 1-, 5-, 20-, and 50-pack quantities.
Q. Is each CAL “tied” to a specific user or device?
Yes. They are not “floating” licenses and so they must be assigned to specific users or devices. If a user leaves the company or a device is retired, then the CAL can be reassigned.
Q. When I purchase Windows Essential Business Server 2008 through a Microsoft volume licensing agreement, what licenses will I receive?
You will receive a server license for Windows Essential Business Server 2008 software. Unlike Small Business Server, we do not include EBS Client Access Licenses when you acquire a server license through the Volume Licensing program. This is so you are not over buying CALs when you use the Companywide option in the Open Value and Open Value Subscription programs.
Q. If I open a companywide Open Value agreement to acquire the EBS CALs for my organization, will I have to over buy my CALs because the server comes with five licenses already?
No, you will not have to over buy licenses. We no longer add five CALs to the server license cost so you will only be buying what you need and can still take advantage of the Companywide discounts in the Open Value program.
Q. I bought Windows Essential Business Server 2008 from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Where do I go to acquire additional CALs?
You can purchase additional CALs from the sales channel you prefer, through a Microsoft volume licensing agreement, or from your hardware manufacturer/provider.
Q. I want to allow remote access to several individuals who are not employees. Do I have to acquire CALs for them to use Outlook Web Access or Remote Web Workplace?
Yes. When a user authenticates against the server, a CAL is required. In addition, the use of Outlook requires an additional license in order to be in compliance with the license agreement.
Q. Do additional servers in my Windows Essential Business Server 2008 network require a CAL in order to connect to the domain?
No. You do not need a CAL for additional servers to connect to the domain.
Q. Does my printer or multi-function device require a CAL to connect to the Windows Essential Business Server network?
In most cases, no, your printer or multi-function device will not require the acquisition of a CAL. However, if your device authenticates to the domain it will require a CAL. The most common scenario where you would need a CAL is when you have a multi-function device that uploads scanned images, such as a pdf, to a server share using authentication.
Q. Can I use my Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CALs to connect to a server running Exchange 2007 or SQL 2008?
Yes. You may use Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite or Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices instead of Exchange Server 2007 CALs to access instances of Exchange Server 2007 Standard or Enterprise Edition in the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 domain. You may use Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices to access your instances of SQL Server 2008 Standard or Enterprise Edition or SQL Server 2008 Workgroup Edition in the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 domain.
Q. Does the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL allow me to access Windows Server 2008 connected to the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 domain?
Yes. Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite and Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices can be used to access any Windows Server 2008 that is in the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 domain. Note, however, if you are using the Terminal Services or Rights Management Services functionality found in Windows Server 2008, you must acquire separate Terminal Services CALs or Rights Management Services CALs in order to be compliant with your license.
Q. I want to have additional servers running Windows Server 2000 or Windows Server 2003 in my Windows Essential Business Server 2008 domain. Do I need additional CALs to access those servers?
No. As long as those servers are within the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 domain, your Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CALs grant you access rights to the other Windows Servers. Note however, the use of some functionality in Windows Server require additional licenses (e.g., Terminal Services/Rights Management Services).
Q. If my business needs change, can I switch user CALs and device CALs?
No. From a technical standpoint, the software does not allow switching installed CAL Packs from one type (for example, User) to another (for example, Device or vice versa).
Q. Can I use my Windows Small Business Server 2008 CALs to access a Windows Essential Business Server network?
No, for access to Windows Essential Business Server 2008 you need either ‘Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite’ or ‘Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices’.
Q. Do the EBS 2008 CALs (EBS 2008 CAL Suite or EBS 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices) include TS CALs?
No. While the EBS 2008 solution does allow you to enable Terminal Services functionality, if desired, an additional purchase of TS CALs is still required to be in compliance with your license. Note, that it is not recommended that you enable Terminal Services in application sharing mode.
Q. Does the EBS 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices (“Premium” CAL) cover the right to access any SQL server in the network or only the instance that came with EBS 2008 Premium Edition?
Any SQL server in the EBS domain is covered with the EBS 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices.
Q. Does the EBS 2008 CAL Suite cover the right to access any Exchange Server in the network or only the instance of Exchange Server that ships with EBS 2008?
Any Exchange Server in the EBS domain is covered by having an EBS 2008 CAL Suite (“Standard” CAL) or EBS 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices (“Premium” CAL).
Q. Do we need to buy Windows Server CALs for additional member servers in the EBS domain that are Windows Server 2003 R2 or earlier?
No. Your EBS 2008 CAL Suite or CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices covers your licensing requirement for all the Windows Servers that are in the EBS domain.
Q. Can a customer who is using EBS 2008 Premium Edition purchase SQL 2008 CALs instead of EBS 2008 CAL Suite for Users or Devices to satisfy their licensing requirements?
No. Access to the EBS 2008 network requires an EBS 2008 CAL for all users or devices. However, customers only have to purchase EBS 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices (“Premium” CAL) for those users/devices who are accessing the Premium features; all other users/devices can be in compliance by purchasing EBS 2008 CAL Suite (“Standard” CAL).
Q. Can we purchase CALs of stand-alone component products (e.g., Exchange Server) using EBS CALs as part of the purchase? That is, can we “trade in” EBS CALs to purchase CALs for stand-alone component servers?
You can always purchase stand-alone component licenses. If you are in a position to migrate from your current EBS 2008 solution, you can take advantage of our new migration program, called Solutions Pathway, which will effectively give you credit for your previous investment in EBS CALs by providing a discount for your new purchase of stand-alone component CALs.
Q. Do I need CALs for users or devices using the DCHP services of Windows Server?
No. If a user or device is accessing the server software through the Internet without being authenticated (or otherwise individually identified by the server software), then a CAL is not required.
Q. How do I add licenses for Windows Essential Business Server 2008?
You obtain CAL add-on packs through your sales channel of choice and then use the Server Administration console to activate them by entering the product key that ships with the CAL pack.
Q. Does Windows Essential Business Server 2008 provide a mechanism for me to track and display how many CALs are in use?
Yes. Part of the value of the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Administration console is to help manage and track your CALs. In the console, you can see how many CALs you have installed, how many have been assigned, and to which users or devices they have been assigned. You can also track when you are out of compliance (that is, when you have started assigning CALs from the buffer pool).
Q. How are my licenses activated?
The Windows Essential Business Server 2008 server licenses and the CALs are all activated over the Internet.
Q. Are there any promotions I should be aware of that will help me decide to make the move to EBS 2008?
Yes. Find a variety of special offers for Windows Essential Business Server 2008 on the Promotions and Offers page.
Exchange Credit: Customers who have Exchange Server 2007 Standard Edition will be given credit for their investment in Exchange Server and CALs;
Windows Server 2008 CAL credit: Customers who have purchased Windows Server 2008 Standard will be given credit for their CALs, as the server can be used in EBS domain;
Discounted price point for SBS 2003 R2 customers to EBS 2008 upgrade.
Customers can take advantage of these promotions through our newly introduced, Solutions Pathway program. Details on Solutions Pathway Program can be found here; and the Terms and Conditions for mobility paths and promotions offered through Solutions Pathway can be found here.
Q. Windows Essential Business Server 2008 comes with several copies of Windows Server 2008 technologies. Can I exercise my downgrade rights and run earlier versions of Windows Server?
The components of the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (EBS 2008) solution cannot be separately downgraded because they are an integrated suite. Microsoft recognizes that due to line-of-business application compatibility issues moving from one version to the next, some businesses may need to run the previous version of Windows Server. The fourth server in the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Premium edition gives customers this flexibility. Alternative versions are included in the EBS 2008 Premium version of the software for SQL 2005 and Windows Server 2008 x86. Although Microsoft does not include Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard in the package as an alternative version, we allow customers to use Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard in place of the fourth copy of Windows Server 2008 Standard. Please visit the Windows Server Downgrade site for more information on how to obtain a Windows Server 2003 R2 downgrade kit. You will need your Windows Server 2008 product key to access the site.
Note: Under this exception, customers are restricted from running both versions of Windows Server 2008 Standard and Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard (which the customer has used as an alternative version to Windows Server 2008) at the same time simultaneously.
Q. How can a Volume Licensing (VL) customer obtain downgrade media and keys of Windows Server 2003 R2?
Based on their license agreement, VL customers can obtain the software and product key from the Volume License Service Center (VLSC) website.
Q. Is the downgrade right the same in all sales channels?
Yes, the right to downgrade to a prior version is the same for all sales channels; retail, OEM, Volume Licensing, and Solutions Pathway. The license terms of your current version of the software will apply to the downgraded earlier version of the software.
Q. How does support fit into the downgrade?
The support lifecycle per Microsoft policy maps to the product version. For instance, if you downgrade to Windows Server 2003 R2, your Mainstream support will end July 13, 2010 and will transition into Extended Support at that time.
Q. Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Premium Edition comes with a SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition. Can I exercise my downgrade rights and run earlier versions of SQL Server to run legacy applications?
No. Components of the Windows Essential Business Server solution cannot be separated. However Microsoft recognizes that Line of Business applications may experience compatibility issues moving from one version to the next, so we will ship SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition (both 32- and 64-bit platforms) in addition to the SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition in every retail and OEM System Builder package of SBS 2008 Premium and allow the direct Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) channel to provide customers SQL Server 2005 (both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms) who request the older version until June 30, 2010.
Note that once we stop shipping both versions of SQL Server, customers may not downgrade components of the Windows Essential Business Server solution and therefore are restricted from downgrading just the SQL Server component.
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