I need to install a server OS at my office. I will be running an FTP server and a bespoke application that will take XML files from the FTP server and will convert and transfer them onto my IBM iSeries server. This application does not run on Server 2008, only 2003. As far as I can see, I can no longer purchase Server 2003; only Server 2008. I have been told that Server 2008 includes a downgrade license to Server 2003. Is this true? Also, as I will be using this purely as a FTP server and file conversion, there is no Active Directory requirement or a need for users to connect to it for file sharing etc. Therefore, am I correct in thinking that my need for CALs is minimal? If so, a purchase and downgrade from Server 2008 Foundation edition would appear to be the best and economical option. However, does this version include a downgrade path? I can't see any equivalent Server 2003 edition. Also, how do I obtain a product key for the downgrade? I have a Technet subscription, so I can easily download the installation image. Thanks David

When a Volume License customer desires to downgrade their version of Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows Server 2008, they will need to use the product key from the prior version to activate. With a Windows Server 2008 R2 license, Microsoft Volume License customers will receive product keys for: · Windows Server 2008 R2 · Windows Server 2008 · Windows Server 2003 R2 http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/downgrade-rights.aspx Santhosh Sivarajan | MCTS, MCSE (W2K3/W2K/NT4), MCSA (W2K3/W2K/MSG), CCNA, Network+ Houston, TX http://blogs.sivarajan.com/ http://publications.sivarajan.com/ This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

Santhosh Thanks for the reply. I am not a Volume License customer and I will either purchase the retail version or get it OEM with a new machine. The link you provided appears to show all the options available, so many thanks for posting it. Kind Regards David