We have an application that runs on our SQL server. Since the users will only be accessing the application and not accessing SQL directly, do they need SQL CALs?
Yes. SQL CALs are required for any user or device accessing the SQL server either directly or indirectly (i.e. via an application running on SQL).

We have a thin client environment and are using Terminal Services. All our users require Office but since we will only be installing Office on the Terminal Server, does that mean that we only need to purchase one licence of Office?
No. Although you will only be installing one copy of Office on the server (and not on each individual client device) you are still required to purchase enough licences to cover all your client hardware devices as you would if they were fat clients.

What is the best way to licence Windows Servers in a Development Environment used by developers and contractors to develop line of business software or undertake development and configuration of customisable applications?
The correct way to licence development and test environments is through MSDN subscriptions.  Regular licences do not permit additional installations for testing purposes – each installation must have a full licence regardless of its purpose.

If we have Outsource Development Contractor PCs which we own but are used exclusively by external development contractors on their network how does the licensing work?
The external developers will need to be licenced with MSDN.  Because MSDN licensing is tied to the licenced user rather than an organisation, the contractor can use his/her own developer tools to develop applications. 

Can we upgrade from Office 97 to Office 2003?
Product upgrades cannot be purchased. New versions need to be obtained either by purchasing a new licence or having active software assurance.  Also, it is only possible to purchase the latest version of a product so in this case you would need to purchase Office 2007.

I think the maintenance on my anti-virus software has expired, how do I renew this?
If you forward an email to software@gen-i.co.nz with the name of the product in question we can obtain a renewal quotation for you.  Once you approve the quote we will be able to place an order on the vendor for the renewal and you will be current again with maintenance.

When I order a volume licence, what will I receive?
Every vendor is different. However, most vendors will send an electronic licence confirmation or licence certificate either directly to you or Gen-i (who will forward this onto you).
Note: You will also need to order the media kit (the CD or DVD with which you install the product) separately. When you purchase volume licences you only receive the “legal right to use the software”. You do not receive the physical software itself unless you order it.

We need to purchase a new licence of Windows Vista for a new PC. How can we buy this?
Full licences of Windows desktop operating systems (i.e. Vista) can only be purchased as either full packaged product (off-the-shelf boxed product) or OEM (only able to be purchased with new hardware). Under volume licensing you are only able to purchase an upgrade licence – upgrade to Windows Vista from either Windows 2000 Pro or Windows XP.

Do Government, Education or Charity organisations get any special licensing pricing?
In most cases, yes.  Many software licensing vendors offer discounted pricing for government, education and charity customers however, please check with the Gen-i software licensing team – software@gen-i.co.nz – to see if you qualify.