How to Buy

Licensing, purchasing options, deployment information, and even finding partners to help you deployment can be confusing. It should be easier, and with Windows Server 2008 resources we have made it easier.

Here you can find information on licensing options for editions, technologies, and solutions. You can view the latest pricing information; examine resources to help price your exact needs; and most of all access deployment options to make it faster and easier.

To make it easier for first-time users of this site, we have provided a suggested list of resources to help you on your way. If you have a specific need, or know exactly what you are looking for, use the links above in the navigation or a click-thru link to the left to get to it fast.

Understand how Windows Server 2008 is licensed

Microsoft introduced new licensing options with the release of Windows Server 2008 to address customer business needs and to complement the technical capabilities of Microsoft server products. This is part of a broad effort to make software licensing more consistent, predictable, and flexible for our customers.

Read the Licensing Overview
Learn about licensing of new and updated features
How do I license my clients?
Are there any licensing programs I can utilize?
What about Virtualization? How is that licensed?
Are there any updates for Terminal Server Licensing?
What are external connectors and how can I use them?
What about Windows Web Server—is that licensed differently?
And, what about Datacenter Edition—is that also licensed differently?
Does Windows Server 2008 have any product activation details?
I have specific licensing questions

Understand how Windows Server 2008 R2 is licensed

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 will be the next version of the Windows Server operating system from Microsoft. Building on the features and capabilities of the current Windows Server 2008 release version, Windows Server 2008 R2 allows you to create solutions that are easier to plan, deploy, and manage than previous versions of Windows Server.

Learn about Windows Server 2008 R2 licensing

How much does Windows Server 2008 cost?

Here you can access guidance on estimated retail pricing for U.S. and Canadian editions of Windows Server 2008. For exact pricing you should contact your local software reseller.

Where do I find non-US pricing?
How do I find a reseller?

Do you have a list of purchasing options?

Windows Server 2008 licenses are available for purchase through original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), resellers, system providers, and system builders—as well as online through the Microsoft Product Information Center.

Find a partner to help me

Partners can help you evaluate, plan, deploy, and manage any type of system—from a small business implementation of Windows Server 2008, to supporting the largest enterprise applications built on the latest technology. However, finding the right one to suit your needs, your timeframe, and your budget, can sometimes be challenging.

Search the Solution Marketplace for solutions and services offered by our Windows Server 2008 Partners that can meet the needs and requirements for your IT projects.
Have an Infrastructure Partner contact me. By leaving your details and completing a short survey, you will be contacted by a Microsoft representative who will help match you with the partners that can help make your project successful.
Access the Windows Server Catalog, providing a single online source for finding hardware and software that is compatible with Windows Server 2008.

Access Deployment Resources

Many deployment resources are available for you and your team to help increase the speed and success of your deployment.

Trial Windows Server 2008 using various experiences
Access a number of Solution Accelerators to deploy your solutions faster
Learn more about deployment solutions at the Windows Server 2008 TechNet Center
Increase your team’s Windows Server 2008 technical knowledge with access to product documentation, learning guides, and training

When you are ready, feel free to explore further information areas such as

Product Information: Learn more about Windows Server 2008 and the technologies it provides.
Solutions: Take the next step and learn about solutions and examples for organizations such as yours
Try it for yourself: Follow our customized evaluation path for managers and IT pros

Take the Next Step

New to Microsoft Licensing?

Download the Windows Server 2008 Licensing Overview

Get started with Windows Server 2008

Find a partner that
can help