Updated: July 11, 2020 (September 21, 2009)
Analyst ReportWindows Server 2008 R2 Preserves Licensing
Licensing of Windows Server 2008 R2, which is available through multiple channels as of Oct. 2009, remains generally consistent with its predecessor, Windows Server 2008, and client licenses for Windows Server 2008 grant access to R2 instances. Licensing models, product usage rules (such as how many OS instances can be run without extra charge under virtualization), the number of editions and differences between them, and product pricing remain almost identical. The upshot: customers already licensed for Windows Server 2008 can upgrade their servers incrementally, at modest and predictable cost, without triggering the expense of purchasing new CALs for all their users.
No New CALs Required
Use of Windows Server by an organization’s employees or contractors is licensed with up to three different Client Access Licenses (CALs):
- A Windows Server CAL to license client access to common services such as file and print
- A Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CAL (formerly Terminal Services CAL)
Atlas Members have full access
Get access to this and thousands of other unbiased analyses, roadmaps, decision kits, infographics, reference guides, and more, all included with membership. Comprehensive access to the most in-depth and unbiased expertise for Microsoft enterprise decision-making is waiting.
Membership OptionsAlready have an account? Login Now