As we msg I'm running Storage Server 08 standard on a Dell box.  Why can i not buy an upgrade to 2012 Storage Server?  

Hi,

>>As we msg I'm running Storage Server 08 standard on a Dell box.  Why can i not buy an upgrade to 2012 Storage Server?  

For Windows Storage Server are OEM systems, Microsoft does not provide in-place upgrade path for such systems.

Regarding the available upgrade paths from Server 2008 to 2012, the following article can be referred to for more information.

Upgrading to Windows Server 2012 Part 1

http://blogs.technet.com/b/askcore/archive/2012/10/23/upgrading-to-windows-server-2012-part-1.aspx

Regarding this topic, the following thread can also be referred to for more information.

Upgrade path for Windows Storage Server 2003 to 2008/2012

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/ff1c536f-227e-4502-9624-630f8b53e768/upgrade-path-for-windows-storage-server-2003-to-20082012?forum=winservergen

Best regards,
Frank Shen