Windows 2003 Standard Edtion licensing

[Rosko2000]

I'am hoping someone can tell me if this is true. We are looking to setup a web server running Windows Standard Edtion with MS SQL 2005 WorkGroup (cpu license). I've been told my MS sales reps that in order to have a ASP/.Net based website that allows people to login (similiar to a hotmail, yahoo email account) that I would need the External Connector License ($2000).

It seems like a lot of software to have for a web server. Windows 2003 Standard ($750), SQL Workgroup ($3700) and a connector license ($2000). Nevermind the hardware.

Right now we are using Web Edition and SQL Express and it works great. Only cost $350 for the software total. So in order to run SQL Workgroup ti's going to cost $6000 in software upgrades.

Thanks for any insight!

 

[tfg13]

According to what I read here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/howtobuy/licensing/extconnector.mspx

sounds like you are being steered incorrectly. I read your post as they will be accessing a website, not the server itself, which the explantion of the "external connector license" seems to be stating (such as accessing via terminal services), but that is my take on it.

Make the Microsoft salesperson explain themselves.....

 

[Rosko2000]

Correct, they will be access a public website. There are areas where people would login and basically create a session but that is between .NET/ASP and the SQL server. Not NT authentication.

It's really a matter of interpetation I guess.. I asked the sales rep about 3 different ways and he was helpful. I just can't believe that all the hosting companies out there are setting up boxes with that type of pricing.

It just doesn't seem right to me.

 

[tfg13]

I'm with you on this one. Just doesn't sound cost effective.

Then again, with the prices the hosting companies charge (and amount of people paying those prices), they can recover pretty quickly....