Hi,
I have read through many of the threads on CAL licensing and I'm politely asking for clarification. A contact of mine was thinking of upgrading their SBS 2003 SP1 Standard (Single Processor) to new hardware and of course Window Server 2K12. Unfortunately, some antcipated service receivables will be paid out on terms versus a full payment thereby delaying this upgrade. Although this business is aware the software (let alone) hardware is no longer supported, they have no choice but to add a few more machines to the workgroup network (not domain). Right now there are 5 XP SP3 clients connected to the box (A HP ML150 G2 series by the way). The business needs to add 3 more endpoint devices. Server has a single core P4 CPU 3.0Ghz with 4GB RAM.
I have several questions:
1. I presume the original 5 CAL pack that was installed for them when the server was originally delivered was probably set as device CAL's, but
a. How does one confirm if they were setup as device CAL's OR user CAL's?
b. If device then can you purchase additional unit CAL or 5 CAL packs and since SBS is EOL would these be 2k8 (or similar) CAL packs with downgrade rights?
c. CAL packs would be added via the Licensing server dashboard menu?
d. I thought when one purchased the PRO version of the WIN client OS, these included a CAL. Is this faction or fiction and if this is true then additional server CAL packs would be moot at this point?
2. Since these new machines will likely ship with WIN 7 Pro COA's, can I connect a WIN7 Pro client to share files with WIN SBS 2003 Standard server?
Overall, we're trying to help my contact add machines to the business and improve workflow; however, the budget just won't allow for a major back-office and front-office upgrade. On a positive note, all networking equipment was upgraded to a ProSecure UTM Router solution along with a CISCO GB switch.
I welcome your expertise.
Thank you,
MED