Much as I hate to say it I think we need to have the ability to test against Windows server. We donât need a lot, as you say, the bulk of the testing
can be against client but 1 or 2 server licenses would be good.
--
Don Dugger
"Censeo Toto nos in Kansa esse decisse." - D. Gale
Ph: 303/443-3786
I just had a conversation with the Linux Foundation regarding the licensing scheme that may make sense for the Test Lab. Steve Westmoreland asked me a number
of questions and will get back to me in 1-2 weeks with 2-3 concrete options. The LF would then set up the paperwork and get whatever we agreed with a MS licensing specialist down in writing.
The best scheme for us, is probably a VDA licensing agreement, which works out at around $100 per VM per year (so worst case, we'd be looking at $2400 per
year). There may be other options at similar price points. There would be no license server required (which is something Ian said would be an issue).
* Do we just use the Windows VMs and are they transitory, aka created / killed on demand : clearly yes
* Can we restrict the number of test VM's : clearly yes â the way how VDA licensing works is that MS would occasionally spot check how many VM's we are running
and charge more if we go above limit
* Would we be able to include Windows 8 into testing if needed : I was assuming yes â the VDA agreement is only available for Windows 8.1+, but would allow
us to run older Windows versions also. There may be a requirement to run at least one Windows 8+ VM though (to be confirmed)
* Do we need to test against Windows Server : I was assuming that Desktop Windows versions are fine. If we need server also, the cost would probably go up
Note that there appear to be no suitable licensing agreement for older versions of Windows only.
It does look as if we have a way forward, but Steve warned that MS moves at glacial speed and this may take some time to sort out. But at least there is progress
and there seems to be a way forward.
