Licensing Retooled for Server Software on Virtual Systems

Laying the licensing groundwork for a significant shift in computing in which multiple “virtual computers” will run simultaneously on a single physical machine, Microsoft has modified its licensing rights for server software running on virtual systems. The changes reduce costs, improve the flexibility of virtual systems, and lay the groundwork for Microsoft’s Dynamic Systems Initiative, a multiyear effort to improve PC manageability. The changes will also affect hardware vendors, ISVs, application hosters, and other partners. However, before customers can take full advantage of virtual environments, Microsoft and partners must develop management software, development tools, and applications that are compatible with them.

Licensing for Virtual Environments

Microsoft has announced changes that will make Microsoft licensing friendlier to customers who want to use virtualization software on servers. (The company has not announced any changes in licensing for desktop OSs and applications.)