Microsoft clarifies virtualization licensing

InfoWorld | at | by Mike

Microsoft has clarified how licensing for its current version of Windows Server works when paired with virtualization software.

However, customers may face a whole new set of licensing rules once the next version, Windows Server 2008, is released later this year.

In a white paper called "Licensing Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 to Run with Virtualization Technologies," Microsoft outlines clearly how to license the current version of Windows Server -- Windows Server 2003 R2 -- for specific third-party virtualization technology, including VMware ESX, VMware Vmotion and SWsoft Virtuozzo. It also explains licensing for Microsoft's own System Center Virtual Machine Manager.