Software Assurance and Open License Customers (Open Value, Open Business)
Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2: Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ answers commonly asked product information questions about Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 (SBS 2003 R2). Click a question to view its answer. To view all the answers at one time, select the View all answers check box.
Software Assurance and Open License Customers (Open Value, Open Business)
| Q. | I purchased Software Assurance for SBS 2000 or SBS 2003 and related CALs. Am I eligible to receive SBS 2003 R2? |
| A. | Yes. If you purchased SBS 2000 or SBS 2003 with Software Assurance and your contract is still up to date, you are eligible to receive an upgrade copy of SBS 2003 R2. For more information about Software Assurance, contact your reseller or see the Microsoft Web site. If you purchased Software Assurance through a reseller or computer manufacturer, contact the media fulfillment center at 800-248-0655 to order your upgrade. International customers can find the number for the Microsoft customer service center here: www.microsoft.com/worldwide. |
| Q. | Why would I buy SBS 2003 R2 in Open License? |
| A. | Open License licensing programs have been designed to reward our best customers. In return for the contract in which you commit to run your company on Microsoft software, you get the lowest prices and the most added value on CALs, desktop operating systems, and desktop software. |
| Q. | What is the Small Business Platform SKU and what does it mean to me? |
| A. | The Small Business Platform SKU is available in the Open Value – Company-wide Option of the Microsoft Volume Licensing program. It offers a simpler way of purchasing the core elements for your small business computers. The Small Business Platform SKU includes Office Small Business Edition 2003, Windows XP Professional upgrade and a Windows Small Business Server CAL for each computer in your company. Additional discounts have been applied to encourage participation by businesses that may not otherwise consider a volume licensing program. |
| Q. | Why do I need to buy more Client Access Licenses (CALs) than I actually need when I purchase SBS through Open License? |
| A. | Due to the nature of the licensing program, we cannot compensate for the 5 CALs that come with the server product. However, we have compensated the SBS 2003 CAL pricing program so that open license customers still get the best value for their money. It is mostly an administrative challenge to Microsoft and we apologize for any confusion this might cause. |
