Microsoft Removes Licensing Restrictions From Windows Server 2008

Microsoft modified its Web server licensing terms for Windows Server 2008. Solution providers expect these changes to go a long way toward making Windows Web Server 2008 more competitive with the LAMP stack.

"I think Microsoft is clearly determined to gain ground in that space," said George Brown, CEO of Database Solutions, a Cherry Hill, N.J.-based Microsoft partner. 

According to an internal Microsoft document viewed by CRN, Microsoft will not require a client access license (CAL) for the Windows Web Server 2008 SKU, and will allow users to run any type of database software with no limit on the number of users, provided they deploy it as an Internet-facing front-end server.

While Windows Server 2003 Web Edition, the predecessor to Windows Web Server 2008, didn't require a CAL, it did impose a limit of 50 users, as well as some database restrictions, according to channel partners.

"Not only does this move put Microsoft solutions on par with open source alternatives and the LAMP stack, it also adds the value of Microsoft's systematic support and interoperability with the entire suite of Microsoft back office solutions," said Daniel Duffy, CEO of Valley Network Solutions, a Microsoft Gold partner in Fresno, Calif.