I have seen answers for questions regarding downgrading from different editions (e.g. – Enterprise to Standard), but is anyone familiar with downgrade policies for SQL Server Developer editions to OLDER developer editions?
We currently have a need for 2008 R2 developer editions, which are no longer available unless purchasing via reseller.
We found a reseller, but our company's planned upgrade path includes 2012 in the next 6 to 12 months. It does not make sense for us to purchase 2008 R2 dev edition if we can purchase 2012 or 2014 at retail prices, downgrade for the short term, then upgrade once our enterprise does.
Has anyone done this before? I'd prefer an answer here versus the reseller as their answer is going to be sales-centric (to be polite) versus a more straight forward answer from someone who may have done this.
Best Answer
Microsoft gives Downgrade Rights to Volume Licensing customers and, to some extent, even to OEM and retail customers.
However, in general, if you don't have a Volume License, you can't have the bits and the product key, which are necessary to excercise your downgrade rights.
Long story short, if you want 2008 R2, you'll have to buy it.
Here's a blog entry of the licensing team on this subject