Windows 10: Some questions about Licensing of Microsoft products

1. What service in Windows Server need Client Access LicenseCAL?



1.1. For example, if a company setup 2 Windows ServerWinSvr to be domain controller, and there are 10 users and 15 PCs in this domain. How many CAL is needed?

1.2. If a company use IIS on WinSvr to build a website, does it need to buy CAL for clients using that website?

1.3. If a company setup a shared folder on a WinSvr, does it need to buy CAL for clients using that shared folder?

1.4. If a company setup a shared folder on a Windows PC, does it need to buy CAL for clients using that shared folder?

1.5. If a company bought a WinSvr 2012 R2 license and CALs, then upgraded the server to 2019. Does it need to re-buy CALs?



2. If a company had a Open Valuewith SA contract and can install Windows up to 8.1 Std, Pro, Ent on the expiration of the contract.



2.1. Can it use the Windows 10 free upgrade on PCs with Win 7 ~ 8.1 Pro?

2.2. Can it use the downgrade right after the expiration? For example, Reinstall Windows 7 Pro on a Windows 8.1 Pro PC after expiration.




Where can users find info so they can answer question like above easily?

:)

 

License Transfer question


So I found this on the MS website.

Add Windows 8.1 Pro Pack or Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack to your edition of Windows 8.1

• Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.
  (If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.)
  
• Enter add features in the search box, and then tap or click Settings.
  
• Tap or click Add features to Windows 8.1 and then do one of the following:
  
  • If you need to purchase a product key, tap or click I want to buy a product key online.
    Follow the steps to purchase and enter a product key.
    
  • If you already have a product key, tap or click I already have a product key.
• Enter your product key and click Next.
  
• Read the license terms, select the check box to accept the license terms, and then click Add features.
  
  
  Would this be the way to do it? And would it matter that this would be the US version and not UK?
  
  Thanks
  Conor

 

Volume Licensing / Divestment question

Hello,

We are currently going through an asset sale and have a question regarding transitioning when the third-party takes ownership.

The following are charactistics of our environment:

• We are a Microsoft volume licensing enterprise enviroment
• Deploy the volume license distribution of Microsoft desktop OS's and servers's OS
• Have centralized KMS Server and implement volume MAC keys (for special purposes)

What we know the third-party company is:

• Are a lot smaller company
• They do not have an Enterprise Agreement, no any volume licensing
• No KMS/MAC licenses
• They deploy OEM/Product licenses within their enviornment, they enter product keys per device deployment is my understanding

So we need to eventually remove these computers off our domain, and eventually off our network.

some of my concerns are:

• Would they need to reimage their Servers/Desktops to a FPP (Full Packaged Product) or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) distribution copy of the operating system?
• The goal is to keep some Servers/Desktops operational, but once removed from our Domain and network the KMS count down begins (I believe 180 days)
• Can a volume license install of an OS be converted/or have the ability to accept FPP/OEM product keys?

Thanks, any advice is appreciated.

 

Microsoft and Lexmark Enter Broad Patent Cross-Licensing Agreement

Microsoft Corp. and Lexmark International, Inc. signed a patent cross-licensing agreement that furthers the development of each company’s product lines and will expand technological innovation to enhance the overall customer experience.
The patent cross-licensing agreement covers a broad range of products, including Lexmark printers and multifunction products, and Microsoft software products. The agreement allows greater mutual access to each partner’s respective patent portfolio. The terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.


“We believe that intellectual property (IP) licensing, especially during tough economic times, is an empowering way to foster collaboration and bring product differentiation to consumers,” said David Kaefer, general manager of Intellectual Property Licensing at Microsoft. “Because both Microsoft and Lexmark have access to an extensive range of technologies, this agreement will allow each company to shorten its development cycle and increase its focus on customer-related innovation.”

Lexmark is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of printing and imaging solutions for offices and homes. Its products include laser printers, inkjet printers, multifunction devices and associated supplies, which are sold in more than 150 countries in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Rim.

“This agreement allows both companies to benefit from sharing the innovation in our respective patent portfolios,” said Marty Canning, Lexmark vice president and president of its Printing Solutions and Services Division. “We believe this agreement will improve the productivity of both our businesses and result in enhanced product offerings and increased satisfaction for all our customers.”

Recently, Microsoft’s patent portfolio was given the year-end top quality rating in the IT industry by two of the leading independent patent-quality rating systems. Lexmark’s patent portfolio has been included in IEEE Spectrum magazine’s list of the top patent portfolios in the computer peripherals and storage industry.

Microsoft’s Commitment to Licensing Technology
The licensing agreement is another example of the important role IP plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 500 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. More information about Microsoft’s licensing programs is available at http://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing.

Source: Microsoft