Licensing Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition
Designed for businesses that demand the highest levels of reliability, scalability, and large-scale virtualization, Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition enables mission-critical solutions for databases, ERP, high volume real-time transaction processing, and server consolidation. Unlimited virtualization rights are now available with Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition, significantly extending the savings customers can realize through server consolidation on the Windows Server platform. Together, Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition and Virtual Server 2005 R2 are an ideal, cost effective platform for “scale out” virtualization.
The x86/32-bit and x64/64-bit versions of Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition are now available through Volume Licensing agreements from Microsoft resellers and account managers, as well as through original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Servers equipped with the optional Datacenter High Availability Program are only available through OEMs.
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On This Page
 | Licensing Model |
| Unlimited Virtualization Rights |
| Maintenance |
| Pricing |
Licensing Model
The licensing model for Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition consists of two components: a server license and client access licenses (CALs).
As in the other editions of Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition requires Windows CALs for users or devices to access or use the server software.
Unlike the other editions, however, the server license component for Datacenter Edition varies depending on the number of processors in the hardware.
The Datacenter Edition server license is defined as follows:
| • | Windows Server Datacenter Edition is licensed by the processor plus Windows Server Client Access Licenses (CALs). Servers with Windows Server Standard Edition or Enterprise Edition licenses covered by Software Assurance can be “stepped up” to a Windows Server Datacenter Edition processor license to take advantage of the new, unlimited virtualization rights. Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition can be purchased through Volume Licensing directly from Microsoft or resellers, or from OEMs preinstalled on servers. The Datacenter High Availability Program is only available through OEMs. |
| • | The maximum server license is 64 processors for the 32-bit version, with each partition capable of supporting a maximum of 32 processors. The 64-bit version of Datacenter Edition can be licensed for 128-way systems, with each partition capable of supporting a maximum of 64 processors. |
Note that partitioning of a Datacenter Edition system is supported logically at a licensing level and physical level. In other words, you are not required to obtain more Datacenter Edition server licenses than the total number of processors on that server. You are entitled to have multiple copies of Datacenter Edition on a single machine.
Unlimited Virtualization Rights
Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition licenses now include unlimited virtualization rights, meaning customers have the use rights to run an unlimited number of virtualized instances of Windows Server on processors licensed with Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition without purchasing additional licenses. The use rights also allow the choice of running Windows Server 2003 R2 (or previous version) Standard Edition, Enterprise Edition, and Datacenter Edition as the host operating system and in the virtual instances. In addition to Windows Server and Microsoft Virtual Server, the use rights apply to any virtualization technology or host operating system, although they may need to be acquired, licensed, and supported separately from third-parties.
The unlimited virtualization rights significantly simplify the licensing of Windows Server for large-scale virtualization and make it more affordable for enterprises to consolidate on the Windows Server Platform.
Maintenance
In addition to more software licensing options, Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition offers three options for upgrades and maintenance.
Software Assurance
Microsoft Software Assurance, a maintenance offer that can be purchased for a specific period of time, helps your organization get the most from Microsoft software through a broad range of benefits, including product support and software upgrades. When Windows Server 2003 code-named “Longhorn” is released, Datacenter Edition licenses covered by Software Assurance will receive the upgrade at no additional cost and will receive the hypervisor, (a thin layer of software between the hardware and operating system that allows multiple operating systems to run, unmodified, on a host computer at the same time).
Update Subscription Service
The Update Subscription Service (USS) provides customers who have the Datacenter High Availability Program with access to version releases, supplements, and service packs for Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition. The USS is available on a monthly or yearly basis. Customers must renew the subscription with their OEM to obtain the benefits it provides. When Windows Server code-named “Longhorn” is released, Datacenter Edition licenses covered by USS will receive the upgrade at no additional cost and will also receive the hypervisor, within 180 days.
Maintenance Service
Alternatively, a maintenance service option is available that enables customers who have enrolled in the Datacenter High Availability Program to receive service packs but not new version releases.
Enrollment in the maintenance service or USS at the time of license acquisition is not mandatory. Customers may subscribe to either service at a later time. Contact your qualified OEM for details.
Windows Datacenter High Availability Program
Qualified OEMs offer support and service options to customers through the Windows Datacenter High Availability Program. This program provides customers with a list of qualified server configurations that have been thoroughly tested and have proven to be highly reliable. The Datacenter High Availability Program provides the support customers need to ensure maximum uptime for their applications.
The Datacenter High Availability Program has a unique support and services model built for customers with mission critical server requirements and consists of the following components:
| • | Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition |
| • | Qualified Datacenter Configurations that have been tested and shown to be highly reliable |
| • | Certified Datacenter Support Providers (DSPs) |
| • | High Availability Support Program to ensure maximum uptime for their applications. |
Servers with The Datacenter High Availability Program option have been found in a study to have 99.996% planned uptime.
Note: Software Assurance is available only through Volume Licensing agreements but may be added to OEM licenses within 90 days of purchase. The USS and Maintenance Service are only available from qualified OEMs on servers that are equipped with the Datacenter High Availability Program.
Pricing
The estimated retail price for Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition is $2999 per processor. Pricing information for the Datacenter High Availability Program is available through your qualified OEM.