Hi, If I manage some Linux clients and servers with SNMP, will I need a ML for them? The PUR is not very clear on this, because it says that I need to buy licenses if I indirectly manage a server/client, and that I just don't need to buy licenses for Layer 2 and Layer 3 Network devices. But the PUR also says that I just need to buy a license if the server software is running on the instance. Here is the PUR: a) Management Licenses. You must acquire and assign , to a device or user, the appropriate category and type of management license for the operating system environments (OSEs) you will use your instances of the server software to directly or indirectly manage . • You do not need a management license for i) any of your OSEs running instances of the server software on your licensed servers, ii) any of your OSEs in which no instances of software are running , or iii) any of your devices functioning only as network infrastructure devices (OSI layer 3 or below) , or iv) any of your devices for which you are exclusively performing out of band management. (...) “Out of band management” consists of interaction via a network connection with a hardware management controller to monitor or manage the status of hardware components such as: • system temperature • fan speed • power on/off • system reset • CPU availability. Monitoring utilization of the following is considered indirect management of the OSE and requires a management license: • CPU • RAM • NIC • Storage. The confusing part to me is the "Monitoring utilization of the following is considered indirect management of the OSE and requires a management license " statement. Basically: - Is monitoring a Linux server using SNMP considered indirect management? - Do I need a ML for that? Thanks.

Hi, For SNMP devices, you don't to need to buy the license, it's unlimited. For more licensing questions, you can call 1-800-426-9400 (select option 4), Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. (PST) to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist. Worldwide customers can use the Guide to Worldwide Microsoft Licensing Sites http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/index/worldwide.asp to find contact information in their locations.