Monday, October 17, 2005

Microsoft introduces virtualization licensing plan

NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: DAVE KEARNS ON WINDOWS NETWORKING TIPS
10/17/05
Today's focus: Microsoft introduces virtualization licensing
plan

Dear networking.world@gmail.com,

In this issue:

* Microsoft's new licensing guidelines
* Links related to Windows Networking Tips
* Featured reader resource
_______________________________________________________________
This newsletter is sponsored by Avaya
Network World Executive Guide: Making the Most of Mobility

As the demand for wireless access grows so does the need for
timely information about this technology. The editors of Network
World have put together the following Executive Guide so IT
professionals can take a clear look at mobile standards,
security, what's happening in the field and where mobility is
headed.
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=117629
_______________________________________________________________
COMPLIMENTARY NETWORK WORLD PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS

Managing networks and systems can be a lot easier if you stay
aware of the latest developments in tools and technologies
designed to help. Network World will ensure that you don't miss
a beat. We would like to offer you the leading source of
dependable, accurate, timely information you can rely on to make
the best decisions for your corporate network. SUBSCRIBE TODAY
AT:
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=117838
_______________________________________________________________

Today's focus: Microsoft introduces virtualization licensing
plan

By Dave Kearns

When I was writing last week's newsletters about Windows
upgrades and licensing, it occurred to me that as it was already
October there should be new licensing guidelines coming out of
Redmond. Sure enough, while you were reading about the licensing
maze, Microsoft was announcing new licensing policies,
specifically licensing for virtualized services
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlwnt8704>.

Many people run virtual servers - multiple instances of
operating systems (or multiple operating systems) running on a
single hardware device. While Microsoft is just entering the
virtualization world, other companies (notably VMware), have
been there for many years. Virtualization allows for many
benefits not the least of which is a way to dramatically lower
hardware costs. One server-class box, one keyboard, one monitor,
one motherboard, etc. - virtual machines minimize the hardware
investment. While you should increase the amount of RAM and disk
available to the processor(s), it's a lot cheaper than setting
up multiple boxes.

One of the big drawbacks to virtualization has been Microsoft's
licensing policies which (up until now) have assumed that each
product is running on its own hardware and is always available.
You could, for example, use a box with four CPUs and virtualize
it into four instances, each with its own CPU. But run SQLServer
in one of the instances and you'll need a 4-CPU license because
of the physical hardware. That's been changed. The new licensing
will be by instance.

Network managers would always to have spares ready to run as
part of a disaster recovery plan. Under previous licensing, each
installation of a Windows server needed its own licenses,
whether it was running or not. The new plan allows you to
install multiple instances but only carry licenses for the
number of concurrently running ones. For example, you could
configure SQLServer to run in one instance of a virtual machine
then install the same license on another hardware device
(configured to also run as a virtualized server). If the first
instance becomes unavailable, you can start up the second and
continue computing - all with just one set of licenses. Of
course, you'll need to configure the database files to be on a
shared storage device and also employ some clustering techniques
to quickly change client systems to access the new server but
that's a small price to pay for the savings in server license
fees.

There's more to Microsoft's virtualization strategy, and more
licensing changes that coincide with that strategy. Head over to
the Microsoft press release
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlwnt8705> to read all about it.

The top 5: Today's most-read stories

1. Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine has serious bug
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlwnt8616>
2. New WLAN group shakes up standards process
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlwnt8878>
3. Windows 2000 vulnerability could lead to new outbreak
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlwnt8879>
4. You won't find this book on Oprah's list
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlwnt8618>
5. IETF effort promises fewer net failures
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlwnt8619>

_______________________________________________________________
To contact: Dave Kearns

Dave Kearns is a writer and consultant in Silicon Valley. He's
written a number of books including the (sadly) now out of print
"Peter Norton's Complete Guide to Networks." His musings can be
found at Virtual Quill <http://www.vquill.com/>.

Kearns is the author of three Network World Newsletters: Windows
Networking Tips, Novell NetWare Tips, and Identity Management.
Comments about these newsletters should be sent to him at these

respective addresses: <mailto:windows@vquill.com>,
<mailto:netware@vquill.com>, <mailto:identity@vquill.com>.

Kearns provides content services to network vendors: books,
manuals, white papers, lectures and seminars, marketing,
technical marketing and support documents. Virtual Quill
provides "words to sell by..." Find out more by e-mail at
<mailto:info@vquill.com>
_______________________________________________________________
This newsletter is sponsored by Avaya
Network World Executive Guide: Making the Most of Mobility

As the demand for wireless access grows so does the need for
timely information about this technology. The editors of Network
World have put together the following Executive Guide so IT
professionals can take a clear look at mobile standards,
security, what's happening in the field and where mobility is
headed.
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=117628
_______________________________________________________________
ARCHIVE LINKS

Breaking Windows networking news from Network World, updated
daily: http://www.networkworld.com/topics/windows.html Operating
Systems Research Center:
http://www.networkworld.com/topics/operating-systems.html
Archive of the Windows Networking Tips newsletter:
http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/nt/index.html
_______________________________________________________________
FEATURED READER RESOURCE

Network World Technology Insider on Security: Is Encryption the
Perspective?

Encryption won't solve all your security issues but these days
there is no excuse for not safeguarding your organization's
sensitive data. From Clear Choice product coverage to new
regulations and high-profile breaches, this Technology Insider
on Security covers it all. Click here to read now:

<http://www.networkworld.com/nlwnt7472>
_______________________________________________________________
May We Send You a Free Print Subscription?
You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered
at your fingertips each day. Now, extend your knowledge by
receiving 51 FREE issues to our print publication. Apply
today at http://www.subscribenw.com/nl2

International subscribers click here:
http://nww1.com/go/circ_promo.html
_______________________________________________________________
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES

To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World e-mail
newsletters, go to:
<http://www.nwwsubscribe.com/Changes.aspx>

To change your e-mail address, go to:
<http://www.nwwsubscribe.com/ChangeMail.aspx>

Subscription questions? Contact Customer Service by replying to
this message.

This message was sent to: networking.world@gmail.com
Please use this address when modifying your subscription.
_______________________________________________________________

Have editorial comments? Write Jeff Caruso, Newsletter Editor,
at: <mailto:jcaruso@nww.com>

Inquiries to: NL Customer Service, Network World, Inc., 118
Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772

For advertising information, write Kevin Normandeau, V.P. of
Online Development, at: <mailto:sponsorships@nwfusion.com>

Copyright Network World, Inc., 2005

No comments:

Post a Comment