Here is the scenario (and let me preface this by saying that the initial infrastructure configuration was not of my doing, but of my predecessor).
My company has 70 client PCs running XP Home. Currently, the file server runs Redhat 9, the webserver runs Suse Enterprise 10, and other various server software package implementations.
Currently I am looking into the best method of upgrading all client PCs to XP Pro (the company executive board is resistent to wanting to use Vista in any form) by purchasing Vista Business licenses, and then opting for the XP Pro downgrade option. This would effectively convert all 70 client machines to XP Pro. We also have 1 XP Pro retail box copy. Here are my questions:
1. With the XP downgrade option, this (as I understand it) is only open ONLY to OEM versions of Vista Business/Ultimate. Is this correct, or can Vista Business UPGRADE licenses be downgraded to XP Pro as well?
2. If I do purchase 70 Vista Business OEM licenses, do I also need to purchase the Software Assurance licenses in order to transition from Vista Business to XP Pro (and furthermore any future Windows versions as well)? In other words, is the "downgradeability" of Vista Business to XP Pro inherent, or do I need to purchase the additional SA licenses to effectively "seal the deal"?
3. In my given scenario, how would I proceed with the upgrade? As I understand it, I should be able to use the single XP Pro CD to install the upgrade from XP Home --> XP Pro, then call in each activation (ugh) and explain to the MS rep that I'm downgrading the Vista license, and subsequently give them the VISTA license (after which they will provide me an XP Pro key and 42-digit activation code for each client machine). Can anyone confirm/deny this scenario?
4. Finally, does anyone see a better method of converting said clients to XP Pro that maybe I am not seeing?
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