This article has been contributed by Don Retallack, Analyst at Directions on Microsoft. Don analyzes and writes about Microsoft’s systems management and security offerings, including System Center and Forefront products. In Jan. 2012, Microsoft announced major changes to the way it will license System Center systems management products. The changes make licensing simpler and more consistent but... 

[Thank you to regular reader 'Niall' who kindly contributed this article ] Last week Microsoft released details regarding licensing changes for System Center 2012. Companies that are considering any growth or expansion of their existing system management products should be seriously considering taking action prior to the release of System Center 2012, due to some potentially favorable conversions between...