Can I get an open source license for server 2012 R2 for exch 2013

As far as I know, you should be able to install an Open License on top of an evaluation license for any of their products.

So Will I guess the only option is to convert from eval to retail but I guess you cant upgrade from eval to open license?
Is that correct?

Based on the link provided that is correct.

Will.

Ok thanks Will

All Exchange servers come up in eval mode - whether you have a volume or retail licence.
Furthermore there are only two Exchange keys in existence - one Standard and one Enterprise.
It doesn't matter how you purchase the product, or what you use to install it - with Exchange the only thing that matters is the piece of paper (or online licence list that you have). There is no activation, Exchange doesn't know the difference between volume and retail.

Windows is the same - you can simply change the licence around.
I have switched eval to volume without any problems at all. It is just a licence key.

Simon.

Simon,
Its not the exchange license I am asking about but the license for Server 2012 R2...

I covered that in my answer. You can just change the licence around - Microsoft provide full instructions on how to do that.

Simon.

Simon,
Sorry I see that now in your last reply. Do you know what that process would be to add a volume license after the aval expires or does anyone know?
Will does this make sense or can this not be done?

No it is not a Domain controller it is and an exchange 2013 server running server 2012 R2 which the 2012 R2 eval is the one that needs changed.
I will give your directions a try, shadowless.

When you are trying to upgrade specific versions you need to follow the paths that Microsoft illustrates in there TechNet's. You may work-a-round specific upgrade paths but this would not be the approrpirate method.

Only specific CD keys will work with specific OS flavors. Example...
MSDN software download say for Server 2012R2 and you have a retail version CD Key

The Retail CD key should not work with the MSDN ISO.

Will.

You are comparing an MSDN/VLK ISO licensing to Retail, with an Eval ISO going to another license, which are 2 different animals.

Also, I haven't tried it with Server2012, but for Windows 8 you can apply retail, open, bizspark, or MSDN keys to an installation that used Eval OR Retail media.

I'd be very surprised if he is unable to convert from eval to open.

Yes there is so much info put there for both ways but from what I can tell the Microsoft best practice is if you are on evail 2012 R2, you can only go to retail not to open license. That seems like what the Microsoft supported way is.. Correct?

Based on the link i provided in my first post it is not an upgrade path.

Will.

So I guess retail licensing will work with exchange 2013 and server 2012 R2 without any issue correct?

Try applying your open license to your Windows Install.  Worst case scenario it simply rejects the key and you continue the way you are.

Exchange only has 2 keys; one for standard, one for enterprise.  Doesn't matter how you acquire exchange, the keys will be the same.

well we need to buy the server 2012 R2 license because the eval is going to expire and we kind of forgot about it...
So that's why I need to know since I the Microsoft way is retail and not open license, then will install the retail license on server 2012 R2 have any bearing on exch 2013 or server 2012 R2?

I was under the impression you had already purchased an Open License.  If you've not purchased a license, just go with retail then.

The licensing program you use for Windows has no bearing on Exchange 2013; it doesn't even look to see if Windows is activated, it just looks to see that the version installed is compatible with itself.

If you are still uncertain regarding this lincensing question, i suggest you contact Microsoft directly. A licensing question will not cost you anything and you can have them explain it in more detail for you.

Will.

Good point Will. I will do that.
Thanks

So I guess to add the retail license key over the eval, there would be now down time involved since it should be just adding the new key correct?

Server will need to restart 2 times during the process.

That's right.. It does the reboot twice after running the command.

need retail license