Need legit 2003 SBS license

[LifeinAsia]

Does anyone know where I can buy a legit version of Windows 2003 SMS Premium R2? I need to clone an existing server and because of software, I need to continue running 2003. Upgrading to 2008 or 2012 is not an option at this point because of the legacy applications.

[Ocean10000]

I would look on ebay or similar site for used hardware where it came preinstalled, and has the license key on it, where you could use the hardware as well.

[LifeinAsia]

Don't need new hardware- will be creating a virtual machine. And the problem with pre-installed is that it usually means OEM and not transferable to new hardware.

I don't even need/want the install DVDs (I already have enough disks to keep track of)- just the license/activation code.

[Hoople]

Another alternative is to split the server roles into a pair or more of VM's hosted on alternate hardware platforms to get some future expansion headroom and get away from SBS's single point of failure.

Windows 2003 standard licenses are also very cheap and IIRC allow two instances when in a MS based VM server.

Personally as a MS Exchange guy I feel the performance sacrifices of the server when on SBS is VERY noticeable, especially to those with larger company (separate Exchange server) experience. There are significant performance gains to be had that one should be aware of with my suggested slight increase in complexity.

A final thought to consider is disaster recovery. Splitting out the Exchange and SQL Server roles makes the recovery options much easier to contract and finish in a timely manner. SBS 2003 knowledge, esp for full recovery is becoming rarer and has a longer time-line due to the sunsetting of the software's support. (read - fewer contractor take offerings or have the freshness skill to fully support this version)

[LifeinAsia]

Windows 2003 SMS Premium R2

Sorry- that should have been SBS!

Another alternative is to split the server roles into a pair or more of VM's hosted on alternate hardware platforms to get some future expansion headroom and get away from SBS's single point of failure.

That's the main reason for the 2nd server.

allow two instances when in a MS based VM server.

I think that may apply to 2008 or newer- never heard about that with 2003. The first license is OEM, so can't transfer it away from the initial HW.

disaster recovery...

Yes, all parts of the master plan.

But it all comes back to the OP- where to buy the licenses to move forward? :)