Microsoft (NSDQ:MSFT) has modified its Web server licensing terms for Windows Server 2008 in what looks like an attempt to compete more effectively with open source alternatives, CRN has learned.

According to an internal Microsoft document viewed by CRN, Microsoft will not require a client access license (CAL) for the Windows Web Server 2008 SKU, and will allow users to run any type of database software with no limit on the number of users, provided they deploy it as an Internet-facing front-end server.