There are two options for properly licensing access by external users to Microsoft based network servers. First, if there are only a few, licensing could be handled through the appropriate CALs (Client Access License). For organizations with a large numbers of external users a firm can choose the Windows External Connector license. A Windows External Connector license must be purchased for each Windows Server that will be accessed by external users. It allows an unlimited number of external users to access the licensed server.
Licensing for a Web Server has its own set of rules. If the Server Operating System is Windows Web Server, then access licenses are generally not necessary. However, if using a Windows Server Standard license, licensing for external users may be required. The deciding factor is if the users are accessing the Web site anonomously or not. If it is anonomous access, no additional licensing is required. If the user is uniquely identified, then access licensing would be required.
If you would like to review your current Microsoft licensing or have any questions, please contact us at
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