Microsoft KB Archive/273554

= SMS: License Requirements for Servers and Clients That Are Using SMS =

Article ID: 273554

Article Last Modified on 10/27/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q273554



SUMMARY
This article answers frequently asked questions about the licensing requirements for Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) version 2.0 for both client and server computers.



MORE INFORMATION
When is an SMS license required?

SMS can be installed as a primary site or a secondary site. In both cases, a license for SMS is required. Component servers, such as distribution points, client access points (CAPs), and software metering servers do not require an SMS license, but they may require an SMS Client Access License.

When do I need a Systems Management Server Client Access License?

Any computer or device, including servers, that installs any of the client components (such as hardware inventory, software inventory, software metering, software distribution, or remote control) requires an SMS Client Access License. Any client that runs packages that are created with the SMS Installer software repackaging tool also requires a Client Access License. A Client Access License is not required for server-to-server communications.

Do I need a Microsoft SQL Server license?

SMS version 2.0 requires at least one license for Microsoft SQL Server 6.5 or later. Larger or decentralized organizations may require more SQL Server licenses if they have more than one SMS primary site.

Do I need SQL Server Client Access Licenses ?

SQL Server Client Access Licenses are only required if SQL Server is used with programs other than SMS. If SQL Server is used solely as a database for SMS and is accessed solely through the interface provided by SMS, no additional SQL Server Client Access Licenses are required.

Is SQL Server included with SMS?

If you acquire Microsoft BackOffice Server version 4.5, you receive SMS 2.0 and SQL Server 7.0. You may install both products on the same computer as defined in the BackOffice End User License Agreement (EULA). If you acquire only SMS, you do not receive any software or license for SQL Server. In this case, you would need to obtain a complete version of SQL Server 6.5 or later separately.

