Licensing Team Foundation Server

Team Foundation Server (TFS) helps manage the development, testing, and deployment of custom applications. Many organizations use TFS because it is included with Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) subscriptions and is integrated with Visual Studio. However, use of TFS triggers Windows Server licensing requirements not covered under MSDN, and possibly SQL Server licensing requirements as well. Additionally, use of TFS by internal users who do not have MSDN subscriptions or external contractors (regardless of whether they have their own MSDN subscriptions or not) may trigger further licensing requirements.

Team Foundation Server Background and Packaging

TFS is a set of application lifecycle management (ALM) tools supporting source code control, software project management, software build management, testing, and other group development tasks. It extends integrated development environments (IDEs) used by developers and testers, such as Visual Studio, Eclipse, and Xcode, so that architects, developers, and testers can work effectively on software projects throughout an application’s life cycle. Browser-based clients permit end users to collaborate on development and testing without having an IDE or developer tools. The application life cycle includes development and testing of new software, bug fixing, and enhancing existing programs.