Currently, I have a server 2003 domain controller (single DC) that I'm going to replace with new hardware and server 2008. As of now, we have 25 CALs for server 2003. Do I need to purchase more CALs for the new 2008 DC or are the currently installed CALs "swung over" through the domain?

Hello, the Windows server CAL requirements are the same: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/licensing-faq.aspx#cals Q. Are there any differences between the requirements for CALs in Windows Server 2003 versus Windows Server 2008? A. No. The Windows Server CAL requirements are the same. Differences are in the RD CALs which have to be purchased new.Best regards Meinolf Weber Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights.

Thanks for the reply! Just to confirm, there will be no need to reenter the CALs on the new server - it should come over with the domain schema and such, right?

As far as I understand, you need Windows Server 2008 CALs - as per http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/client-licensing.aspx - in particular: "Every user or device that accesses or uses the Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 server software requires the purchase of a Windows Server 2008 Client Access License (Windows Server CAL) except under the following circumstances: If access to the instances of server software is only through the Internet without being authenticated or otherwise individually identified by the server software or through any other means If access is to Windows Web Server 2008 or Windows Web Server 2008 R2 If external users are accessing the instances of server software and you have acquired a Windows Server 2008 External Connector license for each server being accessed For up to two devices or users to access your instances of the server software only to administer those instances If you are using Windows Server 2008 R2 solely as a virtualization host (you will still require CALs for your appropriate WS edition running in the virtual machine(s) )" However, you will be much better off if you contact Microsoft directly regarding licensing questions - rather than relying on answers on this forum. Btw. Windows Server CALs (except for RDS) are handled on the "honor system" basis - so it is your responsibility to ensure that you remain compliant. More at http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/winserverManagement/thread/c66010dd-61f1-4a81-8790-7d9025d14e6f/ hth Marcin

Thanks! Very helpful!