Oem cal windows server 2008

Versus standard licenses is used when your buying additional licenses later on throughout the cycle. However most companies these days like open value licenses which allow you to downgrade to an older version. OEM would be associated with the server OS.

If the server OS is OEM it means that it's tied to purchased with the hardware and cannot be transferred. This means when you retire the hardware the OS license goes with it. You can't then use the OS license on your new hardware. CAL's on the other hand are transferable and allow a user access to a server OS no matter where it's installed.

You would need to look at your business model to decide the type of CAL you use. If you have a lot of users accessing a small number of devices like a warehouse for example using Device CAL's would be more cost effective than getting a User CAL for each user.

On the other hand if you have a lot of users with multiple devices a laptop and a mobile device accessing the servers then User CAL's would be better otherwise you would need a Device CAL for every device.

Some of these are tied to a version as well. We've got an OEM deal on the table which looks compelling and so it would be good to know a bit about the licensing. Just how restrictive are they, if at all.

Standard CALs are always more expensive; but depending who the end user is; there is always ways of reducing the price. The way Microsoft has setup itself via the channel; each starting bundle must start with 5 licenses either 5 user CALS, or 1 server plus 4 user cals; then the quantities may go up by units of one after that. As per this link, you should buy everything you need now; versus wait till you can't get the licenses anymore.

Microsoft will prompt you after a few months to register your license; at which time, if your serial number are not valid; then the servers shut down. I think we need to get one thing straight here The OEM deal that you have is probably compelling because it's cheaper right? It's cheaper because it's not transferable to other hardware as opposed to Retail or Volume License which are transferable to different hardware. You really need to be looking further ahead with your purchase as saving money now on an OEM version will cost you again when the hardware is replaced.

Spending more now on, say, Volume Licensing now could possibly work out cheaper long term. I really think you need to be talking to a Microsoft Partner about the longer term plan to ensure you make the right decision first. Have a look at OEM by all means but get a Microsoft Partner involved as well to make sure you look at all alternatives as MS licensing is a minefield. SBS is only available via OEM and it's going away completely in december, after that it's not even an option to buy sbs anymore.

If it was technically an OEM license then I'd say it would have a product key that you would need to register. To begin using these services, contact your Microsoft Partner, who can begin the provisioning process required to activate each service. In all cases, under a CAL Suite, your use rights with respect to a particular product or online service are the same as if that component were licensed separately.

The only exception is that both per-user and per-device options are available in CAL Suites, even when both options are not available outside the suite.

CAL Suites are offered only with Software Assurance coverage, and they therefore provide you with the right to use the most recent version of every product in the suite. If Software Assurance coverage lapses and you are vested with perpetual rights, use rights are determined by the latest version of the products that were in effect prior to the lapse in coverage. Rights for the online services expire upon lapse of Software Assurance coverage, regardless of whether the CAL Suite is perpetual.

CAL Suite Bridges. Retain on-premises access rights. Satisfy enterprise-wide commitment. Retain enterprise discounts. With CAL Suite Bridges, you receive enterprise and platform discounts at a level that is comparable to that of the suite that is being replaced. Are available only as a subscription. Are licensed per user. Are enterprise products and receive both enterprise-wide and platform discounts.

Licensing tracking Managing deployed Volume Licenses. Software Asset Management SAM is a vital business process that provides a system for effectively managing and optimizing your organization's IT assets. Implementing SAM practices helps you to protect your software investments, recognize what you have, where it's running, and if your organization is using your assets efficiently.

Control costs and business risks for a stronger, healthier financial position. Optimize existing investments, so that you can do more with what you already have. Grow with your company's expanding needs in size and maturity through increased flexibility and agility.

This automated software asset management-related functionality is designed to be used by Microsoft Volume Licensing customers. Learn more about MAP Toolkit. The Software Usage Tracker reports provide you with a view of your actual server usage. This information is valuable for comparing with your purchased CALs; it is also useful for licensing "True-up" and licensing agreement renewal discussions. Related resources. Add To Wish List.

Are you an E-Blast Insider? Get ready to talk with your customers about the new tools and technologies. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows software and cannot be transferred to another computer once it is installed. To acquire Windows software with support provided by Microsoft please see our full package "Retail" product offerings.

Sean S. Verified Owner. Did you? Yes No. Pros: It's easy with server, you don't have to do anything, just keep them handy in case the BSA contacts you about an audit Cons: none Overall Review: In case someone is confused by these, you need one cal per user and with , there is no need to add them, just keep them in a safe place.