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Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Solutions Pathway migration program.
Q. What is Solutions Pathway?
A.
Microsoft recognizes the need to provide small and medium size business customers with an easy way to migrate their technology products as their business needs change—whether that entails a migration into, within, or out of Windows Essential Server Solutions (WESS) 2008 family of products to their standalone components. With that in mind, we have launched a program, named Solutions Pathway, which provides solutions to alleviate the additional stresses of running a successful business and enables companies to easily migrate to a new Microsoft solution from the one they are currently using.
Solutions Pathway offers a tiered discount that will be applicable to various upgrade and migration scenarios. The program replaces previously offered products, such as Version Upgrade (VUP), Product Upgrade (PUP) and Transition Pack (TP)—for all customers wanting to purchase any WESS 2008 family of products: Windows Small Business Server (SBS) 2008 and Windows Essential Business Server (SBS) 2008.
Solutions Pathway does not offer migration options to standalone components for SBS 2003 and SBS 2003 R2 customers, as this program caters only to customers purchasing WESS 2008 family of products.
For SBS 2003 and SBS 2003 R2 customers who want to purchase standalone components, Transition Pack is only available on the FPP pricelist through the Distributor channel for Americas Operations Center and EMEA Operations Center. Starting in April, the Asia Pacific Operations Center will have all SKUs available on the pricelist. Click here for pricing details and how to buy.
The option to migrate to standalone components is available to SBS 2008 and EBS 2008 customers on Solutions Pathway.
Get more familiar with the Solutions Pathway purchasing process by taking the test drive.
Note: Customers and Microsoft partners have different entry Web sites to Solutions Pathway. Microsoft Partners should go to the Microsoft Partner Program Portal to transact the Solutions Pathway changes here. Customers can start here for Windows Small Business Server 2008 or here for Windows Essential Business Server 2008 family of products.
Q. What are your eligibility requirements to participate in Solutions Pathway?
The only requirement to be eligible to participate in Solutions Pathway program is that you have the perpetual license to any one of the qualifying products, as detailed below. Licenses acquired under any subscription-based Microsoft Volume Licensing program (e.g., Open Value Subscription ) and Microsoft Action Pack Subscription, DO NOT qualify you to make Solutions Pathway program purchases.
In other words, if you are a Volume License (VL, Open Business & Open Value only), Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), or Full Packaged Product (FPP, aka Retail Box) customer, you CAN participate in Solutions Pathway.
Note: You must have a valid 5x5 product key to enter the store and make purchases.
The following table lists the supported scenarios for SBS 2008. Note: You must purchase software and CALs to participate in Solutions Pathway. A server software license purchase must be made in every fulfillment order made on Solutions Pathway, unless listed otherwise. You should be familiar with the quantity of CALs you require, as Solutions Pathway only entitles you to upgrade the CALs you currently own before the upgrade.
From
To
Savings
Microsoft SBS 2000
Windows SBS 2003 Standard or
Windows SBS 2003 R2 Standard
Windows SBS 2008 Standard
Windows EBS 2008 Standard
20 Percent
Windows SBS 2003 Premium or
Windows SBS 2003 R2 Premium
Windows SBS 2008 Premium
Windows EBS 2008 Premium
30 Percent
Windows SBS 2008 Standard or
Stand-alone components
Windows EBS 2008 Standard or
Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 credit: Exchange Server 2007 Standard Edition1
Windows Server 2008 CAL credit1
Credit for Windows EBS 2008 CAL Suite (Standard only)
1Limited duration programs ending at 11:59 P.M., Pacific Time, on December 31, 2009. See Terms and Conditions for details.
Note: The standalone components relevant to SBS 2008 are:
Product
Component
Windows Server 2008 Standard – 1 license
Exchange Server 2007 Standard – 1 license
Windows Server 2008 Standard – 2 licenses
SQL Server 2008 Standard for Small Business – 1 license
Windows EBS2008 Standard
Windows Server 2008 Standard – 3 licenses
Exchange Server 2007 Standard – 2 licenses
System Center Essentials 2007 – 1 license
Forefront Threat Management Gateway, Medium Business Edition – 1 license 2
Windows EBS2008 Premium
Windows Server 2008 Standard – 4 licenses
Forefront Threat Management Gateway, Medium Business Edition – 1 license
SQL Server 2008 Standard – 1 license
2Forefront Threat Management Gateway, Medium Business Edition is a volume licensing product and is not in a full packaged or retail box. It is available for download only at Microsoft Volume License Services. You must have a Volume License agreement and an online account to download this software.
Q. In which regions is the Solutions Pathway program be offered?
Solutions Pathway is available worldwide.
Q. Where can I find the Solutions Pathway website?
Customers and partners have different entry websites to redeem their corresponding discounts. You can start here and partners here.
Q. How does the Solutions Pathway program work?
To learn more about Solutions Pathway and for a detailed scenario, Take the test drive today.
Q. Are the upgrades that are offered in Solutions Pathway also available through the Open License programs?
No, upgrade options will not be available in other programs except for Solutions Pathway.
Q. When I pass the 75-user limit for SBS 2008, what is my next step?
You have a choice: move up to EBS 2008* or to the standalone servers that make up your SBS 2008 solution.
Q. When I pass the 300-user limit for EBS 2008, what is my next step?
You can take advantage of the Solutions Pathway program and move to the standalone servers* that make up your EBS 2008 solution.
Q. Is there a mobility path to CORE CAL?
No. There are no mobility paths to Core CAL through Solutions Pathway.
Q. What are the “Exchange Server 2007 Software and CAL Credit” and “Windows Server 2008 Standard CAL Credit” promotions being offered in the Solutions Pathway program?
In conjunction with Solutions Pathway, Microsoft is launching two programs for a limited duration of time, which expires at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time on December 31, 2009. The intent of these programs is to preserve the investments that you have made in Exchange Server 2007 Standard Edition software and CALs, as well as Windows Server 2008 Standard CALs as these are included in Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard or Premium software and Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite or Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices.
Exchange Server 2007 Standard Edition Software and CAL Credit A customer who has a perpetual license for Exchange Server 2007 Standard Edition software and has acquired corresponding Exchange Server 2007 Standard Edition CALs will be given a 20 or 30% discount when licensing Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard or Premium software and Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite or Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices through Solutions Pathway. Please see the Terms and Conditions of this program. Offer expires at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time on December 31, 2009.
Windows Server 2008 Standard CAL Credit A customer who has a perpetual license for Windows Server 2008 Standard software and has acquired corresponding Windows Server 2008 Standard CALs will be given a 20 or 30% discount when licensing Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite only through Solutions Pathway. Please see the Terms and Conditions of this program. Offer expires at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time on December 31, 2009.
Q. How will upgrading from the previous SBS versions such as SBS 2000 (Std/Prm), SBS 2003 (Std/Prm), or SBS 2003 R2 (Std/Prm) work?
Microsoft launched Solutions Pathway, which recognizes the investment you have made with Microsoft products and provides a discount toward the purchase of the products that you are moving to.
So, all customers who have SBS 2000 (Std/Prm), SBS 2003 (Std/Prm) or SBS 2003 R2 (Std/Prm) can purchase SBS 2008 (Std/Prm) software and CALs through Solutions Pathway—at a discount.
Q. Will customers be able to easily upgrade from SBS 2008 to EBS 2008?
Yes, customers can easily upgrade from SBS 2008 to EBS 2008
So, all customers who have SBS 2008 can purchase EBS 2008 software and Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite or Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices through Solutions Pathway—at a discount.
Q. Will there be an upgrade path from Windows Server 2008 Standard to SBS 2008?
No. Microsoft believes that if you have Windows Server 2008 Standard, then you can purchase SBS 2008 and use that Windows Server 2008 Standard in the SBS 2008 domain. This way, you can enjoy your continued investment in Windows Server 2008 Standard while benefitting from SBS 2008.
Q. Could you please tell me if we are allowing options for additional 2003 CAL pack upgrades to 2008 CAL pack?
No. Customers cannot upgrade CALs only in Solutions Pathway. The customer must upgrade to software and CALs to participate in Solutions Pathway. A server software license purchase must be made in every fulfillment order made on Solutions Pathway.
Customers with Windows Server 2008 Standard are the only exception to the rule. A customer who has a perpetual license for Windows Server 2008 Standard software and has acquired corresponding Windows Server 2008 Standard CALs will be given a 20 or 30% discount when licensing Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite only through Solutions Pathway. Please see the Terms and Conditions of this program. Offer expires at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time on December 31, 2009.
Customers and Partners should be familiar with quantity of CALs they require, as Solutions Pathway only entitles you to upgrade the CALs you currently own before the upgrade.
Q. Can I migrate to the standalone components?
Q. I need to buy Windows Server Enterprise 2008 32-bit/x64 English DVD 25 Clt. Can you please tell me what is the procedure to downgrade, to get the 2003 keys and access the installation software? Could you help provide info on the process for downgrading from Win Svr 2008 to 2003?
Microsoft recognizes that line-of-business applications may experience compatibility issues moving from one version to the next, so customers can downgrade the 2nd copy of Windows Server 2008 Standard, shipped as part of SBS 2008 Premium and EBS 2008 Premium, to Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard. This exception is being granted until December 31, 2009.
Look for this downgrade option here.
Note: Under this exception, the customers are restricted from running both the 2nd copy of Windows Server 2008 Standard as well as Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard (to which the customer has downgraded) at the same time simultaneously. Also, after December 31, 2009, customers are restricted from downgrading just the 2nd copy of Windows Server 2008 Standard, shipped as part of SBS 2008 Premium and EBS 2008 Premium, as the exception granted will expire; however customers who have exercised the downgrade right before December 31, 2009 can continue to use either version of Windows Server, but not both at same time.
Q. How can I obtain an older version than Windows Server 2003 R2?
Customers need to enter their 5x5 product key for versions earlier than Windows Server 2003 R2. Go to the Windows Server 2008 Downgrade Rights website for more information.
Q. Is there a fee for the downgrade kit?
Yes. Microsoft is charging for $20 USD plus tax and shipping & handling.
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. What is Windows Essential Server Solutions?
Integrated business server solutions, Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Essential Business Server 2008, for small and midsize companies are some of the simplest ways to get the power and reliability of Windows Server 2008, plus unparalleled Microsoft server products for e-mail, collaboration, personal computer and server management, and security.
Based on innovative technologies from Microsoft, these business server solutions produce IT infrastructures that help save time and money, in addition to helping significantly boost user productivity.
Windows Essential Server Solutions are designed and priced specifically for small and midsize business needs. And, as your company grows, there is a natural progression of products to suit your needs—all simplified to deploy, manage, license, and use.
Go to the Windows Essential Server Solutions website for more Product Information.
Q. What is Windows Small Business Server 2008?
An overview of SBS 2008 can be found here and FAQs here.
Q. What is Windows Essential Business Server 2008?
An overview of EBS 2008 can be found here and FAQs here.
Q. When I upgrade from Small Business Server Premium 2003 R2 to Small Business Server Premium 2008, what Client Access Licenses (CALs) are available to me?
You have the following CAL pack options to purchase on Solutions Pathway:
Win Small Bus Svr PremCAL 2008 MLP Clt AddPak Device CAL
Win Small Bus Svr PremCAL 2008 MLP Clt AddPak User CAL
Win Small Bus Svr PremCAL 2008 MLP 20 Clt AddPak Device CAL
Win Small Bus Svr PremCAL 2008 MLP 20 Clt AddPak User CAL
Win Small Bus Svr PremCAL 2008 MLP 5 Clt AddPak Device CAL
Win Small Bus Svr PremCAL 2008 MLP 5 Clt AddPak User CAL
Q. If I have an English SBS server, is it okay to use Swedish CALs for that?
Yes, it is ok to use Swedish CAL. Since CALs do not have any associated media, it has only some text on paper (which customers need to read, understand, and comply with). This applies to SBS 2003 and SBS 2008—FPP and OEM CALs.
Q. If I can’t find the 5 x 5 product key (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx) that I used to install my software, where can I get it?
You can contact Microsoft support centers for additional assistance or request a media replacement at:
http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=mscom
Q. Why do I need a 5x5 product key?
A 5x5 product key is a required field for you to input and to successfully make purchases on Solutions Pathway. Your 5x5 product key validates that you are a true Microsoft customer, and it is only for your server software license and not for your CALs.
Q. If I get the error message below on Solutions Pathway, what can I do?
Try deleting your cookies and start over. To delete your cookies,
Go to Tools on your Internet browser
Select Internet Options
Select Delete, under Browsing History
Select Delete cookies, under Cookies
Select Yes for “Are you sure you want to delete all cookies in the Temporary Internet Files folder?”
Select Delete all, next to About deleting browsing history
Check “Also delete files and settings stored by add-ons.”
Select Yes for “Are you sure you want to delete all Internet Explorer browsing history?”
Select OK and close window
Q. When I receive this message, “The Product Key you have entered is invalid. Please try again,” what should I do?
Confirm that you have one of the following current products:
Small Business Server 2000 Standard
Small Business Server 2000 Premium
Small Business Server 2003 (SP1) Standard
Small Business Server 2003 (SP1) Premium
Small Business Server 2003 R2 Standard
Small Business Server 2003 R2 Premium
Exchange Server 2007 Standard Edition
Windows Server 2008 Standard
If not, then you do NOT qualify.
If the keys belong to any one of 1-8 products listed above, please contact a customer support team in your region as listed below:
North America: solutionspathway@one.microsoft.upgrade.com Latin America: mediosms@microsoft.com or msatende@microsoft.com (for Brazil only) Europe, Middle East and Africa: direct-mar@msdirectservices.com Asia Pacific: aporders@microsoft.com or twwpo@microsoft.com (for Taiwan only)
Attention VL Customers and Partners While you are entitled to upgrade within Solutions Pathway, please understand the terms and conditions, which remove Software Assurance from your upgrade purchase. While your forfeit your right to Software Assurance, please note that you are still eligible to rejoin the program within 90 days of your purchasing the licenses via Solutions Pathway.
Attention OEM customers and partners Your installation of this upgrade may void your support agreement for the product with your equipment manufacturer. If you need product support, Microsoft will provide support for the upgraded product and not the server manufacturer. There may be fees associated with that support. Please see www.microsoft.com for more information on its support policies for Windows Essential Server Solution products before purchasing.
Q. Can I add Software Assurance to the Solutions Pathway purchase?
Yes, licenses purchased through Solutions Pathway are Full Packaged Product (FPP, aka Retail box) licenses which Software Assurance can be added to within 90 days of Solutions Pathway purchase.
See the Microsoft Volume Licensing Software Assurance page for details.
Q. What is Software Assurance?
Microsoft Software Assurance gives you automatic access to new technology and provides productivity benefits, support, tools, and training to help deploy and use software efficiently.
Q. What are the licensing implications for Solutions Pathway? If I have SBS 2003 R2 Standard OEM and want to apply an upgrade to SBS 2008 via Solutions Pathway, am I allowed to transfer the licenses?
OEM licenses are not transferable. Your original software that was sold as part of the OEM hardware is not transferable. It may be removed from the hardware server, but the software, including any recovery media, is not licensed to be used or installed on another hardware server.
Q. If I have SBS 2003 R2 Standard OEM and want to upgrade to SBS 2008, do I need to upgrade my processor?
You can use the 64-bit processor that you bought from the OEM with the pre-installed SBS 2003 R2 and re-format and install SBS 2008. The two important things to consider are:
The preinstalled SBS 2003 R2 cannot be installed on any other processor—as OEM licenses are NOT transferable.
You may lose OEM support. See the Solutions Pathway Terms and Conditions for more details. You should make the decision after having discussed with the OEM.
Q. Where can I find the Software License Terms (SLT's) for Small Business Server 2008 Retail and OEM (Standard and Enterprise)?
You can find a copy of the End User License Terms for Microsoft Software Licensed by Microsoft or the Computer Manufacturer here.
Q. What pricing level is available in Solutions Pathway?
Solutions Pathway sells only Full Packaged Product (FPP, aka Retail Box).
A simple way to figure out your price is to calculate the percent savings on the U.S. Base Price of the product you wish to purchase. View Windows SBS 2008 customer base pricing and Windows EBS 2008 customer base pricing to help you with this calculation. Prices on these pages are stated in U.S. dollars and reflect pricing for purchases within the United States and Canada at the full packaged product (FPP) price for Windows SBS 2008 and Open NLP ERP for Windows EBS 2008. The prices listed are estimated prices; reseller pricing may vary. To find the Microsoft Web site for your country/region, visit the worldwide sites page.
See the next question for an example scenario.
Q. What is the Solutions Pathway discount?
Solutions Pathway offers a simplified method of upgrading or migrating and provides a tiered discount as you migrate from your current product. The discount level offered depends on the migration scenario. Customers and Microsoft partners have different entry Web sites to Solutions Pathway. Microsoft Partners should go to the Microsoft Partner Program Portal to transact the Solutions Pathway changes here.
Depending on your migration scenario, the simple way to figure out your price is to calculate the percent savings on the U.S. Base Price of the product you wish to purchase.
Note: You must purchase software and CALs to participate in Solutions Pathway. A server purchase must be made in every fulfillment order made on Solutions Pathway, unless listed otherwise. You should be familiar with the quantity of CALs you require, as Solutions Pathway only entitles you to upgrade the CALs you currently own before the upgrade.
The following example scenario shows savings calculation for using Solutions Pathway to upgrade to Windows SBS 2008 Premium from Windows SBS 2003 Premium Edition.
Upgrade to
Upgrade Cost
Percentage Savings
Amount Saved
US$1,899.00
30 percent Solutions Pathway Savings
US$569.70
Windows SBS 2008 CAL Suite Premium 5-pack
US$945.00
US$283.50
Total cost for Windows SBS 2008 Premium and Windows SBS 2008 CAL Suite Premium 5-pack: US$1,990.80 plus shipping and handling
Total savings: US$853.20
Q. How do I get discounts on my Client Access Licenses (CALs) on Solutions Pathway?
The purchase process in Solutions Pathway is fast and simple—with instant upgrade and discount options.
Upon entering your 5x5 product key in Solutions Pathway, the system will automatically validate and recognize what product you have and will provide the possible upgrade paths available to you. It will also automatically calculate the appropriate discount, depending on what changes you are making.
You are required to purchase both server and CALs for the discounts to be applicable. A server software license purchase must be made in every fulfillment order made via Solutions Pathway. Solutions Pathway will allow 1 server software license purchase per order for customer upgrades going “into” and “within” SBS or EBS 2008 family of products.
You should be familiar with the quantity of CALs you require, as Solutions Pathway only entitles you to upgrade the CALs you currently own before the upgrade.
Note: Windows Server 2008 Standard entry point is the only exception to the rule. A customer who has a perpetual license for Exchange Server 2007 Standard Edition software and has acquired corresponding Exchange Server 2007 Standard Edition CALs will be given a 20 or 30% discount when licensing Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard or Premium software and Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite or Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices through Solutions Pathway. Please see the Terms and Conditions of this program. Offer expires at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time on December 31, 2009.
Customers and Microsoft partners have different entry Web sites to Solutions Pathway. Microsoft Partners should go to the Microsoft Partner Program Portal to transact the Solutions Pathway changes here. Customers can start here for Windows Small Business Server 2008 or here for Windows Essential Business Server 2008 family of products.
Q. How are taxes and VAT treated in Solutions Pathway?
You are required to pay the taxes and VAT (if applicable).
Q. Do I have to pay shipping and handling charges for their purchases through Solutions Pathway?
Yes, you are required to pay shipping and handling charges.
Q. What payment methods are acceptable in Solutions Pathway?
Wire transfers and credit card payments are acceptable.
Note: Wire transfers are not available to North American customers; however, we are currently working to make this payment method available to ALL customers.
Q. Does the check-out price include my discount?
The check-out price is the retail price WITH discounts included, as indicated during the purchase process. Original retail prices have strikethroughs ($0,000.00) while discounted prices do not.
Get more familiar with the Solutions Pathway purchasing process. See slides 19, 22, and 24 of the Test Drive here.
Q. My country is tax exempt, and I have already placed an order on the Solutions Pathway. How do I request a refund for the taxes charged on my order?
You can fax your business sales tax certificate to 716-447-7330 and notify your customer support team in your region. An agent will follow up with the finance team to ensure your faxed information is received and the credit is being processed.
Contact a customer support team in your region as listed below:
Q. What if I experience a problem with my order in Solutions Pathway, who should I contact?
At Microsoft, we value our customers and want to ensure a quality customer experience. Should you experience a problem with your order, please contact a customer support team in your region as listed below:
For Microsoft Partner Program membership questions, click here.
Before contacting support, we recommend having the documentation corresponding to the Microsoft product in question and providing the following information during the call:
Product number or PID (Product Identification).
Order ID number and details.
Version of the product you are using and/or have ordered.
Version of the operating system you are using.
Type of hardware you are using.
The exact words in the messages displayed on the screen.
Q. How much time does it take for my products to arrive at the given shipping address after I have placed my order on Solutions Pathway?
In North America, under normal circumstances, it takes between 1-3 weeks for your orders to arrive at the given shipping address. Sometimes, due to large demands, there may be back orders and can cause slight delays in processing and shipment of your order.
Regional delivery information will be available soon.
Q. I ordered Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard and Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard 20-Pack Device CALs on Solutions Pathway; however, I received the incorrect products. How do I get the correct products and return the incorrect ones?
At Microsoft, we value our customers and want to ensure a quality customer experience. Should you experience a problem with your order, please contact a customer support team in your region as listed below with your order ID, billing, and shipping address information.
A customer support agent in your region will be able to further assist you.
North America: solutionspathway@one.microsoft.upgrade.comLatin America: mediosms@microsoft.com or msatende@microsoft.com (for Brazil only)Europe, Middle East and Africa: direct-mar@msdirectservices.comAsia Pacific: aporders@microsoft.com or twwpo@microsoft.com (for Taiwan only)
Note: Return the unopened package(s) using a traceable shipping option just to ensure that the items are delivered successfully. Your return shipping costs will be credited back to you, once we receive the unopened items.
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