Microsoft Windows Rights Management Services (RMS) continues as a service for Windows Server 2008. Outlined on this page are the components necessary to set up RMS, as well as licensing and pricing information.
RMS Licensing Basics
To use RMS, organizations need the following licenses:
Windows Server 2008 Server License
Windows Server 2008 Client Access Licenses (Windows Server CALs)
Windows Rights Management Services 2008 Client Access Licenses (RMS CALs)
A Windows Server 2008 Server License is required, since RMS is a component of Windows Server. A Windows Server 2008 CAL is required for every user who accesses or uses the server software. In addition, every user who creates or views rights-protected information through Rights Management Services requires an RMS User CAL. As an alternative to User CALs, customers may acquire RMS Device CALs for the devices used to create or view rights-protected content. Both user and device CAL options are available for RMS and Windows Server 2008.
In addition, organizations have the option to acquire an RMS 2008 External Connector (EC) license. The RMS EC license gives organizations the right to permit an unlimited number of external users to access or use a single, licensed copy of the RMS server software without the need to acquire CALs for each external user. The EC is an alternative to CALs when, for example, an organization creates rights-protected information or documents and needs to allow customers or business partners to view this information. Each copy of RMS server software being used by external users requires its own EC license.
Since external users must also be licensed to access Windows Server 2008, the Windows Server 2008 EC license may be used as an alternative to Windows Server 2008 CALs.
Service providers should visit the Services Provider Licensing Agreement (SPLA) site for specific licensing information.
Integration with Other Microsoft Products
At the server level, RMS relies on Windows Server Active Directory directory service (Windows Server 2000 or later) and a database such as Microsoft SQL Server to store configuration data. Both are required to implement RMS.
Microsoft Office 2003 or higher includes RMS-enabled applications available from Microsoft. For creating or viewing rights-protected Microsoft Office documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and e-mail messages, Microsoft Office 2003 Professional Edition or Microsoft Office 2007 Professional Edition is required. Microsoft Office 2003 Standard Edition or Microsoft Office 2007 Standard Edition allows users to view—but not create—rights-protected Office content.
Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 is also RMS-enabled to allow for the protection of shared information.
* Prices on this page are stated in U.S. dollars and reflect pricing for purchases within the United States and Canada. The prices listed are estimated Open No Level prices; reseller pricing may vary. This product is only available through volume licensing programs. Contact your local reseller for more information or review the Microsoft Volume Licensing options. For licensing advice on configuring products, programs, and pricing options visit the Microsoft Product Licensing Advisor. To find the Microsoft Web site for your country or region, visit the worldwide Microsoft sites page.
** Pricing is for comparison purposes only. Currently, there is no five-pack SKU offered.
How to Try Active Directory Rights Management Services
You can try Active Directory Rights Management Services (RMS) for up to 240 days without purchasing RMS CALs. To do this, you must obtain an evaluation copy of Windows Server 2008 Enterprise or Datacenter and install the Active Directory Rights Management Services role. The evaluation copy of Windows Server 2008 may be used for evaluation purposes for 60 days, extendable to up to 240 days. You can evaluate RMS for up to 240 days without purchasing RMS CALs.
At any time during the evaluation period, the evaluation copy of Windows Server 2008 Enterprise can be converted into a production server by either purchasing a full license for Windows Server 2008 Enterprise or Datacenter, or by applying an existing license to the RMS server. At that time, you must also purchase RMS CALs for every user or device that is creating or consuming rights-protected content.
An evaluation copy of Windows Server 2008 can be downloaded from the Trial Software page.
