servers cost

hey. I would like to ask this in general:
"2015 1919€ (incl. win license and VAT)"
- what is win license and VAT
- how much does it cost (the license without hardware)
- would steam integration work with linux only
- why does it cost so much is there any transparency for server cost, traffic etc.
- wouldn't it be enough to have smaller server before steam launch

I am in some doubts that is why I ask.

quote: - what is win license and VAT

Win license is, you know, license for Windows (which the server runs on).
VAT is a type of tax. Previously it didn't have to be paid because Licho also ran minor business stuff to be eligible for the tax deduction. I heard that for 2015 he will also be able to get the deduction so the price might go down to like 1600.

quote: - why does it cost so much

• Windows.
• better hardware than previously.
• has some extra backup features.
• there was not much time to find a better option because the previous option suddenly became unavailable but the server was near the end of the lease.

quote: - wouldn't it be enough to have smaller server before steam launch

Yes but everyone was optimistic and Steam was anticipated so the better hardware was needed to accomodate that.

is there a way to put server power to use so that it is not bored?
-mine bit-coins
-seti@home
-any of those research-calculation things (proteine folding or whatever)
-host gameservers of other games and rent it out to make money for more powerful server
-give to me

Using the main server for any of these fun little experiments sounds amateurish.

With years of delay the "concentrate on steamdream!" arguement hast gotten silly.
I can not tell anymore if that is serious or joke. (a defining feature of good satire)

There exists overteched server that can either be put to use or swallow 130€/month for nothing.
There was often posts by peoplers explaining they would like to do livestreams but their internet/computer could not handle it. That would be one use that directly benefits the game.

The other uses do not directly help the game, but can potentially bring attention or moneys to it.

Such streaming would not be "unique to spring" because:
-it would not be for spring but more monogame-exclusive-bullshit.
-some non-spring games already do streams like that (for one i made such remote-camera tool)

Todo list? The one at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_l117qQxgc8lk8D66oPFIWjngl7cWKnsMoIdHIDuiSI/edit#gid=0 is amateurish unrealistic dead nonsense.