>>I understand your frustrations. Are you developing using .NET?
>
>We have been.
>
>That's going to change too.

Out of curiousity, have you considered using .NET/MySQL to relieve some of the licensing costs? Or are you jumping ship as a matter of principle?

>>>rant=on
>>>
>>>We've been a Microsoft Certified Partner for 10 years.
>>>
>>>This is our last year. Their Licensing is so insane it is not even humorous.
>>>
>>>We are in the process of doing an assessment for a major client. This includes giving an estimate of costs for moving onto a web based application.
>>>
>>>We wanted to make sure we had our bases covered, so we called Microsoft to verify licensing requirements for SQL Server CALs.
>>>
>>>We've always assumes CALs (or a processor license) were needed to cover any users who authenticate to a SQL server no matter how (windows/forms security/SQL users/etc). We've seen lots of people who argue that this is not the case if a web app uses forms based security, but we prefer to play it safe.
>>>
>>>Of course, Microsoft agrees with us.
>>>
>>>But, while they are at it, they also say that as soon as ANY authentication is made to the web site then you also need to have a Windows CAL or external connector license for that user. The fact that the user does not exist in Active Directory, have a windows profile, or use any windows services other than hitting the website and the SQL server data notwithstanding.
>>>
>>>They have to have a SQL CAL AND a Windows CAL.
>>>
>>>They gave us an example of AMAZON.COM. According to Microsoft, People who anonimously browse AMAZON do not need a CAL. As soon as they log in to make a purchase, they require SQL and Windows CALs.
>>>
>>>Lets see... how many million orders will Amazon take online this year times how much SQL processor licenses and Windows CAL licenses for each customer cost...
>>>
>>>That comes to ...
>>>
>>>Apache and MySQL if my math is correct.
>>>
>>>Looks like that is where this assessment is going too.
>>>
>>>Our support of Microsoft has ended.
>>>
>>>Even though they have better products and support than others IMHO, their licensing fees are the last straw in considering them.
>>>
>>>rant=suspend momentarily