Is server hardware expected to have a pre existing licensed OS?

[Jaan]

I know with clients machines bought from suppliers need an oem or licensed OS. Is the same expected for server hardware?

 

Eg if i buy a new server without an OS, but we plan to use Microsoft open volume agreement, can i install server 2012 r2 datacenter if i have declared it with my license partner? Or am i to assume that i'd need a full license version before hand?

 

cheers

[localzuk]

No. Servers don't generally have an OEM license on them. So, the OVS license is a "fresh" license, rather than upgrade.

[Jaan]

No. Servers don't generally have an OEM license on them. So, the OVS license is a "fresh" license, rather than upgrade.

 

oh thank god for that..... my heart sunk alittle for a moment. cheers!

[3s-gtech]

I have a feeling that didn't used to be the case back in the Server 2003 days, but since virtualisation kicked off in a big way some common sense was applied. It meant buying retail copies of Server first before.