Licensing Policies Regarding the Solaris Operating System
Solaris Operating System - End Users
A. Getting the License
New Sun Computer Systems. The end user is authorized to use the
latest version of the Solaris Operating System (or any other version
still commercially offered by Sun) with the new Sun UltraSPARC-based
computer system and system board purchased from Sun or an authorized
reseller.
Binary License Program (for Sun x86 systems and non-Sun hardware). End users can purchase a license to use the Solaris 9 Operating System
from a Sun sales rep, Sun authorized reseller or
Sun online store (US only). Customers may download the software from Sun or buy a media
kit from their Sun sales rep, Sun authorized reseller or the Sun online
store (US only).
B. Getting the Software Initially
Many new Sun computer systems ship with the latest Solaris software
pre-installed. End users of Sun systems who purchase a support contract
from Sun or an authorized Sun reseller receive access to the latest
Solaris updates and upgrades throughout the term of their contract. End
users with a valid license can also get the latest Solaris software by
downloading or by purchasing a media kit from a Sun sales rep, Sun
authorized reseller or
Sun online store (US only).
C. Upgrading the Solaris Software
The Solaris Operating System has specific named releases, such as
'Solaris 9'; each release may also have Solaris updates. A license to use a
certain version of the software, such as Solaris 9, includes the right
to use all current and future Solaris 9 updates, but does not include
the right to use the later version such as Solaris 10. To move from one
version of the Solaris Operating System to a later version, the end user
must purchase the right to upgrade.
Annual support contract. End users of Sun systems who buy an
annual support contract are authorized to use all updates and upgrades
to Solaris that ship during the term of the contract. Contract customers
have access to the latest Solaris software during the contract period.
Remanufactured or Used Sun Computer Systems Sold by Sun:
When Sun
sells a used or remanufactured Sun UltraSPARC system, the price
includes the right for the end user to install and use the latest
version of Solaris (or
any other version still commercially offered by Sun). End users can buy
a media kit from their Sun sales rep, authorized reseller or Sun's
online store (US only).
Used Sun Computer Systems Sold by Others: A very limited
number of companies are authorized to include a valid Solaris
license when they resell used Sun equipment. Except for these few
authorized used equipment resellers, no broker, dealer, auction
house or other third party that sells a used Sun system has any
right to distribute Solaris software with that system. An end user
buying from such non-authorized brokers, dealers etc. should be
aware that it has no valid license to use the Solaris software, and
must take action to obtain a legal Solaris
license. In almost all cases, the Solaris Operating System
should be stripped from used Sun equipment sold by brokers,
dealers, etc. before it is transferred to a new end user.
This program is limited to supplying licenses for use with systems
in the following categories:
Systems supplied to you by Sun or its authorized
distributors
Systems based on the Intel x86 architecture
Unless otherwise required by law or specifically authorized by
Sun, any Sun system that is acquired from a non-authorized reseller does
not include a valid license to the Solaris OS. In such a situation, Sun
Microsystems and its authorized subsidiaries are the only source for
obtaining a valid
license and rights to use the Solaris OS.
E. Leased Sun Computer Systems
When Sun computer systems are leased commercially to third parties, the
lessor of the system has the license to use the Solaris software, but
may permit the lessee to use the Solaris software under the lease. When
the lease expires, the Solaris license remains with the lessor, not the
party who leased the computer. If and when the lessor of the Sun
equipment sells the system, the same rules apply as noted above, and the
Solaris license does NOT transfer with the system. The new purchaser is
responsible for obtaining a valid Solaris license as well as the
appropriate software.
