I am planning on having 2 servers.
#1. running Windows Server 2012 Essentials
#2. running Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard.
#1 will be our be our main server to run AD, IIS and File Sharing, and #2 will be our print server and database server for a software we use in the network. Now since Windows 2012 Essentials has a 25 user limit, we don't need CALs for it, however, I know for Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard will need CALs, since we are using its resources. Now I purchased Windows 2012 CALs and I install them in Windows 2012 Essentials and since the other server will be in the network, can they count for the 2008 server? Or do I need to downgrade the CALS to 2008 CALS and install them in the 2008 server, in that case they would only be needed for that server, not the 2012 correct? Now in that case, they can be upgraded to 2012 later on if needed, right?
I'd appreciate your help.