New Licensing Model for Microsoft Windows Web Server 2008
Microsoft will apply a new licensing model to Windows Web Server 2008. Microsoft will no longer restrict the number of users that can access the Web Server. Though Windows Web Server 2003 did not require Client Access Licenses (CALs), it did limit access to 50 users. CALs are licenses that allow a user or machine to access the functionality of the server software. A CAL is separate and distinct from the server software license and is generally required in addition to the software license. According to Microsoft’s web site, located at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/howtobuy/licensing/priclicfaq.mspx, Windows Web Server 2003 does not require CALs.
The End User License Agreement for Windows Server 2003 also supports this conclusion. The License Agreement contains a provision excluding from the CAL requirement any user or device accessing the server solely through the internet that is not authenticated or otherwise individually distinguished by the server software. This allows internet users to access the server and request web pages from an internet browser. However, Microsoft did place a 50-user access limit in the Web Server license terms.
Microsoft will remove the 50-user access limit contained in Web Sever 2003 from Web Server 2008, provided that the server is deployed as a internet-facing, front-end server. Microsoft will also remove from Web Server 2008 restrictions on how its built-in database components may be used.
If your business needs assistance selecting a server product and understanding its licensing structure, you should contact counsel experienced with licensing issues and software compliance.