>>>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?

Not sure yet. We have to see how Microsoft would try to screw us if we used a windows Web edition server for the .NET capability talking to a linux box (which makes me ill just thinking about what an incredible pain in the a$$ linux is) with MySQL.

We couldn't use MySQL on a Windows box because of course all web users would require Windows CALs (or a $2000 Windows External connector license per Windows Server which is slightly less crappy).

>
>>>>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