dual processor license

We are buying a new db server that will support the future growth of our
company. Our current database load can easily be handled by a single
processor server, but I would like to buy a server that can handle a much
heavier load in the future.
1) I am wondering if I get a dual processor server, can I install a single
processor license of sql server for the time being?
2) Will this only utilize one processor?
3) Can I add an additional processor license in the future as when we need
more processing power?
4) Also, what is the latest projected relase date for SQL Server 2005?
5) Is any pricing availible for this yet?
6) If I get SQL Server 2000 license now, will there be any upgrade options
to 2005 when it is availible?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
--DanJust to add a little to the discussion. MS licensing currently allows you
to buy with software assurance. This lets you upgrade to the newest version
when it comes out provided it's in the timeframe provide by the SA license.
"Stephen Dybing [MSFT]" <stephd@.online.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:eHlqD#u6EHA.3236@.TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
> The SQL Server 2000 Licensing FAQ at
> http://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/faq.asp states the following:
> Q. Do I have to license all of the processors in a server?
>
> A. You only have to acquire licenses for processors that are
> accessible to any copy of the operating system upon which SQL Server 2000
is
> installed.
>
>
> So that should take care of questions 1 through 3. :-) You could
physically
> remove one of the processors from the new system and run it that way until
> you have need, then purchase the second processor license and install the
> second processor.
> For #4, I believe our official response is in the summer of 2005.
> For #5, I don't think any of the pricing decisions have been made yet.
> For #6, there's usually some kind of upgrade pricing, but again, I doubt
> that decision has been made yet.
> --
> Sincerely,
> Stephen Dybing
> This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.
> Please reply to the newsgroups only, thanks.
> "Dan" <Dan@.discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:6E68F23D-3143-4385-8876-06CF474C7299@.microsoft.com...
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