Previously I am into linux hosting (freebsd+plesk) but now wishes to go into windows hosting (since i am a asp programmer myself). Just want to find out what type of qwindows license should I purchase (I am so confused about windows licensing!)?

Basically I would like to install either Windows 2K or Windows 2003 standard edition together with Microsoft SQL.

Hope any experienced windows webhoster can give some advice here so I can work out my costs. :)

r4zor, you should be looking at Windows 2003 Web Edition. The retail is $399us for that product. It will not allow use of AD or any other advanced 2003 authentication tools. Microsoft has made this product available for providers that require single server authenetication only.

The SQL server licensing is not nearly as attractive as the OS. Pricing can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/default.asp

It is much more cost effective to go with an alternative DB like mySQL for WIndows.

Hope that helps.

If you are intending to use Windows and SQL Server to resell any kind of service then you will need to buy under the Service Provider Licensing Agreement.

If you are using purely for yourself (not providing hosting for clients etc) then you don't require SPLA.

If you are renting a server including the OS from a provider such as DC then this should be covered. Many DC's will also have an option for an SQL Server license for an additional monthly fee of around £150ish

Originally posted by stokes_83
r4zor, you should be looking at Windows 2003 Web Edition. The retail is $399us for that product. It will not allow use of AD or any other advanced 2003 authentication tools. Microsoft has made this product available for providers that require single server authenetication only.

The SQL server licensing is not nearly as attractive as the OS. Pricing can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/default.asp

It is much more cost effective to go with an alternative DB like mySQL for WIndows.

Hope that helps.

Web Edition can't install MS SQL right?

Also... I heard that if I use HELM, I dun need any MS SQL license as MSDE is included with HELM, is it true?

Lastly... for MS SQL...does 5 CAL license means only up to 5 hosting account connecting to MS SQL?

Web Edition can't install MS SQL right? Correct.Also... I heard that if I use HELM, I dun need any MS SQL license as MSDE is included with HELM, is it true? True.Lastly... for MS SQL...does 5 CAL license means only up to 5 hosting account connecting to MS SQL? Yes. However as Mick stated, you would need to use SPLA and get a processor license to be legit. The new Workgroup version has a cost effective price.

You are correct. Web Edition cannot run MS SQL. It also does not have Windows Media Services.

Helm uses an SQL database for it's own use. It does come with MSDE for it's own database. The licensing for MSDE means that this instance can only be used for the application it is distributed with, i.e. Helm. You cannot use MSDE to provide databases to clients. You could use MSDE purley for your own use, if the limitations of MSDE over full MS SQL won't affect your application.

the 5 CAL is a little greyer. However, in a normal environmanet this would mean 5 other PC's could connect and use the SQL Server. If you are using it on a single server then my interpretation is that you wouldn't need more than 1 CAL. However, others have interpreted it as meaning a CAL per Windows Account accessing, so I may be wrong. To be 100% safe then a 1 Processror license would cover you for your own use. As I said before you would need the SPLA if you actually used SQL Server to provide databases to other people.

Hmm seems like MS SQL is a tacky one...

And also since the web edition cannot install MS SQL, it will not be advisable for me to use it... probably install Windows 2003 + mySQL first then later add on MS SQL ...

Windows 2003 needs SPLA as well? If so how does it works?

Seems like its not very cheap to start a windows hosting based biz...

All MS licensing for commercial hosting must be done thru the SPLA. Rather than a CAL, the SPLA uses a SAL, Subscriber Access License. A SAL is used for each unique individual, therefore hosting anonymous connections(website) can not count the number of SALs needed and a processor license must be obtained.

For Windows Server 2003 you would get an unauthenticated processor license. Each month you would pay for the number of processors that you have used.

Since you do not have to have to pay for the entire license upfront. It is actually very cheap to start a hosting business. Additionally, when SQL Server 2005 is released, there are no extra fees associated with upgrading...same for longhorn.

You can get info here...
http://www.microsoft.com/serviceproviders/licensing/default.mspx

Originally posted by sunpost
All MS licensing for commercial hosting must be done thru the SPLA. Rather than a CAL, the SPLA uses a SAL, Subscriber Access License. A SAL is used for each unique individual, therefore hosting anonymous connections(website) can not count the number of SALs needed and a processor license must be obtained.

For Windows Server 2003 you would get an unauthenticated processor license. Each month you would pay for the number of processors that you have used.

Since you do not have to have to pay for the entire license upfront. It is actually very cheap to start a hosting business. Additionally, when SQL Server 2005 is released, there are no extra fees associated with upgrading...same for longhorn.

You can get info here...
http://www.microsoft.com/serviceproviders/licensing/default.mspx

So that means to say, instead of paying a lump sum for the normal CAL license, i can pay monthly instead? Most probably i have many users but 1 physical processor...

Hmm but in the long run... its more expensive then 1 time lump payment... :emlaugh:

Any idea how much it roughly costs for SPLA for windows 2003?

To use any Microsoft product to provide hosting services, you must pay monthly under SPLA

Windows 2003 web edition - $11/month + tax
SQL Server 2000 Standard 1 Proc - $179/month + tax

You need a minimum of 1 Proc to provide commercial database servers with MSSQL

Originally posted by Yash-JH
To use any Microsoft product to provide hosting services, you must pay monthly under SPLA

Windows 2003 web edition - $11/month + tax
SQL Server 2000 Standard 1 Proc - $179/month + tax

You need a minimum of 1 Proc to provide commercial database servers with MSSQL

hmm Windows 2003 web edition doesn't allows MS SQL installation rite??

Anyway how much does it cost for Windows 2003 standard edition? :eek:

Server 2k3 Standard Unauthenticated= $18
SQL Server Workgroup Edition = $50

When you request SPLA information on the MS site, they will send you the entire price list.