Windows Server 2008 R2 Licensing

We have a good page that discusses the licensing updates we made for Windows Server 2008 R2 here. Here are the high points:

1. If you have Software Assurance (SA) on your Windows Server 2008 servers, you already own R2 .
2. If you don’t have SA on your Servers, you must purchase a new R2 Server License, but you don’t have to buy new CALs (check out item 3).
3. There are no new CALs required for R2. If you have Server 2008 CALs, you already have CALs for R2 too !
4. Terminal Services has been renamed to Remote Desktop Services, but you do not have to upgrade your TS CALs. Your TS CALs cover the new RDS services in R2.
5. Virtual Use rights have not changed for R2. I just had to throw this one in .

The CALs: Most of the people I’ve talked to say that the CALs are the most expensive part of the upgrade, the good news with R2 is that you don’t have to upgrade your CALs.

Like always, these items are subject to change, please consult the Microsoft Licensing site if you have any questions or confusion.

Tags: Windows Server 2008 R2,Windows Server 2008 R2 Licensing,Software Assurance