BeginningMay 18th, 2009, all new Google Search Appliances are issued with a 2-year or 3-year term license for software and support.

At the end of the license term, the Google Search Appliance expires and no longer searches or serves data. Customers may renew their agreement and receive a new appliance with a new term license for software and support.

All Google Search Appliances sold on or beforeMay 17th, 2008(PO received must be received before this date)continue to hold a perpetual software license, and maintain the same support policies.

For pricing information for the 2-year and 3-year term licenses, please contact your Google Sales Manager.

Below are FAQs. Please see the https://support.google.com/enterprise/doc/gsa/ termlicfaq.pdf for the latest updates.

1. Why did Google make the change from perpetual license to a 2 or 3-year license term?

Google is focused on delivering innovative solutions to our customers. This new license program provides our customers with the latest Google Search Appliance features, hardware and software. Also, customers receive Enterprise Support, software patches, and bug fixes for the duration of the license term.

2. What happens at the end of 2 or 3-year license term? Resellers receive a initial reminder 6 months and a second reminder 60 days before the expiration date for each of their customers' Google Search Appliances. When the term expires, the Google Search Appliance will stop searching and crawling after a 30-day grace period (support is not available during this time). At any point before the end of your term, you may begin the process to purchase a renewal and plan the migration process to your new appliance to ensure continued service. When you renew, you receive a new Google Search Appliance with a 2 or 3 year term license for the software and support.

3. Can I extend a 2-year license to a 3-year license? No, there is no provision to extend a term license from 2 years to 3 years. You must purchase a new Google Search Appliance term license, which will include a new appliance, software, and support. Pleasecontact your Google Sales Manager for renewal options.

4. I have a renewed appliance in production. What can I do with my old appliance? The old appliance cannot be used as a Google Search Appliance in development, test or production environments. The appliance may not be returned to Google at the end of the license term. However,customers who have renewed may contact Enterprise Support for guidance on how to re-purpose the old appliance as a Linux server.

5. How does document count upgrade affect the support/license term? If you purchase a document upgrade, the duration of license term for software and support remain unchanged from the original purchase terms.

6. I'm an existing Google Search Appliance customer with a perpetual software license. What happens once my support term expires? You own the hardware and have a perpetual license for the software, and may continue using Google Search Appliance. There is no provision to extend support for perpetual licenses beyond the current 2-year or 3-year support terms. Google strongly encourages that you renew your Google Search Appliance and receive a 2 or 3-year term license to leverage the latest hardware, software updates, and Enterprise Support.

7. I'm an existing Google Search Appliance customer with a perpetual software license. What license do I get when I renew? You receive a new Google Search appliance and either the 2 year or the 3 year term license for software and support, depending on what you choose at renewal time.

8. I'm an existing Google Search Appliance customer with a perpetual software license. What license do I get in the event that I get a replacement unit? You receive a perpetual license for the replacement unit.

9. Are there any changes to support programs or terms? There are no changes to the current support programs or terms.