Question about windows 2003 server licences

[FiveHorizons]

The small company I work for is interested in purchasing windows 2003 server software. Mainly what we will use it for is file storage, managing accounts, and using it to run special software packages on from remote computers.

My first question is whether or not Windows 2003 Server Standard is the best option for us (over the small business server), and what licences we will require to do what I described above.

The reason I am confused about the licences is because I was reading about windows terminal server licences, and I'm not sure if that is what running applications from remote computers involves.

Thanks.

 

[FiveHorizons]

anyone?

 

[LuckyTaxi]

Originally posted by: FiveHorizons
anyone?

If you're not running Citrix, then you'll be fine.
My servers are still running Windows 2000.

 

[FiveHorizons]

I'm not familiar with Citrix, so I assume we won't be running it.

So you are saying as long as we purchase the 2003 Server Standard Edition, then we will be able to access programs on the server from client's computers with no additional licences?

 

[loup garou]

1) How many users does your company have, or if you have shift workers who share machines, how many workstations do you have?
2) What are these "special software packages on from remote computers?"

 

[LuckyTaxi]

Originally posted by: FiveHorizons
I'm not familiar with Citrix, so I assume we won't be running it.

So you are saying as long as we purchase the 2003 Server Standard Edition, then we will be able to access programs on the server from client's computers with no additional licences?

You'd still need licenses for Windows xp.

 

[FiveHorizons]

Ok, we have about 6 different people who all have their own machines who would need to use the server.

The software is HFSS, which is an engineering design software package.

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm obviously a big time newb in this area.

 

[loup garou]

CALs can be used either for devices or users. Since you have users who use the same machine continuously, it is best to use the CALs on a per user basis.

SBS2003 with 10 CALs would be <$1k, as opposed to ~$1500k for 2k3 standard with 10 CALs. In the future you could use Exchange, Sharepoint, etc if you'd like as well, plus some licenses for growth.

If this is the HFSS you're talking about, I don't see how a server would be used, except for storage? Although the program is totally out of my league...