I'm a Business Manager, My company is just opening up a new office, and the VP wants me to arrange it so that the desktops use MS Office from the server and not the desktop. I'm hiring professional IT people but wanted to do my homework first so I don't get B.S. I've been reading on Microsoft and got very confused. If I want 6 people to run MS Office off of the server and not their desktop do I need 6 CALs for Windows 2000 Server, and 6 CALs for MS Office 2003? Is it better to go per user or per seat ? and Why? Do I need terminal server CALs too? They will only be accessing the network locally, but I read you have to use terminal services to run the applications...is that right? Thanx Douglas

I'm sure the VP has reasons for wanting to run the software from the server. If indeed he/she understands exactly what that means. Is there a possiblity he/she means store the files on the server? I'd recommend to the VP that there be a license for each machine and that Office be installed locally, and NOT using a Server version. Just my $.02.

I would agree with Jennifer. You put more load on the network and server running a product that works better locally. Licensing depends on what you want to do. You have to have a server license and a cal for every user accessing the server. If you are lookin a using Terminial Server to publish a desktop app like Office you will also need TS licenses even for W2K/XP boxes if running Server 03. Server 2000 did not require TS licenses to access the server. I would suggest you get some clarity from the VP as to what/why for running Office from the server. I believe the VP is looking at TS services and perhaps a Citrix XP solution.