Lead Analysts: Paul DeGroot [bio] and Rob Horwitz [bio]
Posted: Nov. 24, 2003

Navigating the complex array of Microsoft licensing policies, procedures, and programs is a financial and legal necessity for any organization using Microsoft software. A company that thoroughly understands Microsoft licensing and how it is changing can stay in compliance without paying for more licenses than it needs, and can budget intelligently for future software purchases. Recent changes, such as per-user licensing, Terminal Server changes, and new support options, make it more critical than ever that Microsoft business customers, salespeople, and service partners understand the company’s volume licensing programs so they can analyze their impact and plan accordingly.

This report offers a detailed overview of Microsoft licensing policies and programs and is targeted at executives who plan and manage IT systems, salespeople and service partners who sell them, and line-of-business managers who approve departmental IT budgets. The report—suitable for those just getting started as well as those who want to fill gaps in their existing knowledge of licensing—is designed to help organizations calculate the types and quantity of software licenses they need to buy, determine the best way to purchase these licenses, and evaluate upgrade options and strategies.