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February 23, 2008
In Our Opinion: Multiplexed Users on Windows XP and Server
The ongoing MS licensing dilemma for multi-user terminal providers (such as Ncomputing) took a new turn in January with written indication from MS that license terms do not permit multiple users under desktop systems (ie XP Pro).
Given the lackluster inroads Vista has made it is is also notable that it is Vista which is specifically referred to.
Still, it would seem with major expansion of Linux and other avenues that Microsoft somehow coming to terms with this is in their best interest. It's not often a major footprint is there for the taking (ie requiring just formulating license terms) especially as the market looks to Microsoft to capitalize and develop new markets.
Probably the first would be in the terminal server/winserver implementation but XP Pro would start a flood.
January 2008
Summary
This licensing brief can help clarify Microsoft’s licensing policies for the Windows Vista® operating system when there is potential for multiuser scenarios. The Windows® operating system (OS) license terms do not permit multiple users to access or otherwise use one licensed copy of the software simultaneously. Under existing licensing policies, multiple users violate licensing terms when accessing programs hosted on a single PC. Programs such as the Microsoft® Office System suite and/or individual Microsoft Office suite components require individual licenses for each device they operate on.
What’s New in this Brief
This is a new brief with no prior versions.
Details
Windows desktop PC operating systems license terms do not permit multiple users to access or otherwise use one licensed copy of the software simultaneously. The following use models of multiple users simultaneously accessing a single licensed copy of the Windows XP or Windows Vista operating system are examples of mislicensed use of the product.
see microsoft.com for full text.
Posted by staff at February 23, 2008 06:55 PM