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Licensing Windows Web Server 2008 R2

Windows Web Server 2008 R2 is specifically designed to be used as a single-purpose or scale-out front-end Web server. Delivering the next generation of Web infrastructure capabilities in Windows server operating systems, Web Server is ideal for network service providers and self-hosting organizations seeking advanced Web functionality. Web Server offers an economical and efficient Web server operating system solution.

The integration of Windows Web Server 2008 R2, with  Internet Information Services 7.0 ( IIS 7.5), ASP.NET, and the Microsoft .NET Framework enables any organization to rapidly deploy Web pages, Web sites, Web applications, and Web services.

Windows Web Server 2008 R2 Licensing Model

Windows Web Server 2008 R2 licensing is enhanced to allow any type of database software on the server software with no limit on the number of users.  Licensing terms for Web Server also further clarifies that the server software may only be used for front-end Web serving Internet-accessible Web pages, Web sites, Web applications, Web services, and POP3 mail serving.

Similar to licensing requirements for other editions of the Windows Server 2008 R2 family, a server license is required for every running instance of Web Server. Windows CALs are not required. Exceptions to this rule may occur when Windows Web Server 2008 R2, is used as the scale-out front end for applications such as Windows SharePoint Services and Windows Rights Management Services. Using Windows Web Server 2008 R2 in these types of configurations offers customers an economical way to deploy scale-out applications. In such configurations, Windows Server CALs may still be required on the back end of a scale-out application.

Windows Web Server 2008 R2: Frequently Asked Questions

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Q.  Can I use the Web Server as a file server or an application server?

Q.  With Windows Web Server 2008 R2, am I restricted to only running non-enterprise level database application software with the server software?

Q.  Can database software running on Windows Web Server 2008 R2 support external applications running on other servers?

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Windows Server 2008 R2 Licensing Overview