We have a SharePoint installation in a production environment, using SQL server 2008. We need to migrate this environment to a different domain. Our approach will be to make a copy of the existing environment and install/configure it for the different domain first in the LAB. After its fully tested for the other domain we will shut the primary environment, and make the new configured environment production in the new Domain. Do we need new licenses for testing (not in production) the SharePoint/SQL copies for the other domain or since we are testing a copy of the existing environment and its not in production it would be OK to use the existing licenses? Any tips or direction would be nice.

Generally the licenses for your test environment are covered by your Enterprise Agreement or the volume licensing agreement you have in place with Microsoft. If in doubt, call your Technical Account Manager (TAM) or contact Microsoft VL directly. Out of curiosity, how do you plan to "copy" the existing environment? SharePoint doesn't take kindly to having its server names or domain changed. While it's possible, it's not a fun process. You may be better off looking at migrating the content to a new farm in the new domain. Jason Warren Infrastructure Specialist Habanero Consulting Group habaneroconsulting.com/blog