RE: [Xen-users] Windows licensing for Xen

[Tim Post <tim.post@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Thu, 2007-06-21 at 17:32 +0200, Petersson, Mats wrote:
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: xen-users-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
> > [mailto:xen-users-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of 
> > Kevin DeGraaf
> > Sent: 21 June 2007 16:16
> > To: xen-users@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > Subject: [Xen-users] Windows licensing for Xen
> > 
> > Hello all,
> > 
> > My apologies if this is a FAQ; I was not able to find the 
> > answer in any
> > existing documentation.  Furthermore, I know it's not germane to Xen
> > itself, but I'm hoping that someone else's knowledge can save me a
> > little bit of time.  :-)
> > 
> > In order to run Windows (XP, 2003, etc.) as a 
> > hardware-virtualized guest
> > of Xen, is it necessary to purchase a retail-boxed edition of Windows,
> > or is there a cheaper option?  Can I purchase an OEM edition with, for
> > instance, a hard drive or motherboard that I don't plan to 
> > use with Xen?
> 
> Let me first say: I'm not a lawyer. 
> 
> You do need A license (per virtual machine - I believe MS allows this to
> be "per ACTIVE virtual machine", at least for Server versions of the OS,
> so if you have two virtual machine installed, but only use one of them
> at any given time, you need only ONE license). 

You can get OEM licenses if your a qualified distributor, or happen to
be good friends with one. Selling the use of Windows guests wouldn't cut
it as 'distributor' in the Microsoft book, at least the last time I
asked.

You can get subscriptions, like you would internally but those prohibit
you from distributing. If these are just for internal use, that might be
a bit cheaper for you in the long run.

Your best bet is to make friends with the OEM guy and avoid having to
get 10 - 15 of them when you only need 3.

The last time I asked them, they did not make a cheaper version of the
license just for use with virtual machines, but that may have changed. 

As Mats said, OEM is Microsoft for SOL unless its the _installer_itself_
that is breaking. So it may still be of use to you, not sure, and not
sure if they closed that loop. If you call them, you might not want to
mention Xen. Nothing says you have to, tell them its a [processor type]
PC with [memory=], front says "PC Concepts", is that a good brand? :)

Hope this helps
--Tim



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