Question about Web access licensing to an XPages application
I had a discussion about the licensing of an XPages application on a Domino server and we found no answer. I have a single XPages application (without messaging) and put this onto a Domino server (by an hoster). For example, a blog with sections only for specific users. The XPages application is open for the public in the Internet. So each one can create an account and manage his data in the application. This is a typical internet application. But what license is necessary for such an application? It is necessary to buy a user license for each (unknown) user? Or do I need only a user license to design the application?
Rolf Kremer 
Rolf, this sounds like a perfect fit for XWork Server: http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/lotus/products/xwork/
Specifically, the advantage in this case is that you pay one fixed price ($2K, if memory serves), and you’re authorized to host your app for an unlimited number of users. The primary limitation of XWork is how many NSFs you’re allowed to deploy… if you later want to add many more applications, or the single application grows complex enough that segregation into numerous containers is appropriate, then Utility or Enterprise would likely be an appropriate switch. But to start with, XWork is probably your best fit. And remember… Designer is free now; we don’t need a license to build apps… we need licenses to deploy apps.
Tim Tripcony
July 28, 2012 at 11:20 pm
Thanks, Tim. The app contains only one nsf with an user interface and one other nsf as a datastore (without an user interface).
rkremer
July 29, 2012 at 9:17 pm
This is exactly what IBM XWork Server is for. Then you don’t need to buy individual user licenses, just one per-install license. http://www-01.ibm.com/software/lotus/products/xwork/
If you went with traditional Domino licensing, then yes, a CAL – or the Domino Utility Server – would be required to cover the authenticated use of each user.
Feel free to contact me offline if you would like to discuss further!
Ed Brill
July 28, 2012 at 11:27 pm
Hi Ed, I have exactly the same requirement as Rolf.The hosting provider suggested me that a single CAL would suffice for development, and each user of the application should have a CAL. The IBM business partner told me that the CALs can only be sold to a company. As I am a developer and not a company, is there any option to buy CALs for us developers ?
Hoping to have a reply from you.
Sachin
July 30, 2012 at 6:36 am
Anyone can buy a Domino Client Access license through Passport Advantage Express on ibm.com.
See http://www-01.ibm.com/software/lotus/products/notes/howtobuy/
It is true for developers, only an Enterprise CAL is needed as long as you are accessing a licensed Domino Enterprise or (or perhaps Utility or XWork server, depending on method of access).
Ed Brill
July 30, 2012 at 2:37 pm
If this is for a company with less than 1,000 employees I’d also consider a Utility Server Express license. That license doesn’t have a restriction on the number of NSF’s, but is licensed for the number of CPU’s/ cores you have. It includes unlimited access to (non-mail) applications for web users (more details here: http://www-01.ibm.com/software/lotus/notesanddomino/domino-pvu-licensing.html)
Depending on the number of (virtual) cores you plan to use the purchase price might be higher than an XWork server, but the renewal price after the first year is a lot lower (contrary to XWork which costs $2K each year you use it).
Mark Leusink
July 29, 2012 at 8:37 pm
No, it is not for a company. Only for a private person, that created an app based on XPages.
rkremer
July 29, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Have you considered looking at Prominic – XWork is expensive for an individual – they will do 20 licences for $100 per month including hosting – the devil may be in the detail but it is worth a look. http://prominic.net/web.nsf/pages/dominodevelopment
sean cull
July 29, 2012 at 10:37 pm
The hosting providers told me that it is my task to provide the client access licenses. They provide only the server license.
rkremer
July 30, 2012 at 7:22 am
I’d like to throw another use case in if possible. Perhaps Ed or Tim could shed some like
Basically what if you have an application that does not require authentication against the domino directory i.e inside of app you handle the authentication – username password – roles etc. Does that need a license or could you buy 1 CAL do design and then that get hosted? Alternative – no authentication – for example an information database shared on web with no controls or authentication in app ? Same thing apply ?
Brendan
July 31, 2012 at 11:38 am
From a license perspective it doesn’t matter how a user is authenticated. Any mechanism that uniquely identifies a user (be it the Domino Directory, an external LDAP server or something you built into the application) requires that that user is licensed in some way.
See http://www-03.ibm.com/software/sla/sladb.nsf/lilookup/5A627DBA859D41AB8525764D0045D5A4?opendocument&li_select=2CC9F9FDC7E88B938525764D0045D57D:
“An Authorized User is a unit of measure by which the Program can be licensed. An Authorized User is a unique individual inside or outside of Licensee’s Enterprise with a specific identity that is validated when accessing a IBM Lotus Domino server. The Authorized User’s unique identity could be defined by his or her Notes ID/password (“PW”) combination, his or her IBM Lotus Domino HTTP Name/PW combination, or any other third party authentication source that defines the Authorized User’s unique identity. The Program may be installed on any number of computers or servers, but Licensee must obtain PoE for every user authorized to access the Program. Licensee must have entitlements for each Authorized User accessing the Program in any manner directly or indirectly (for example: via a multiplexing program, device, or application server) through any means.”
For anonymous users you also need a server license: if I’m correct the Utility Server (Express) and XWork licenses include unlimited anonymous web access.
Mark Leusink
July 31, 2012 at 1:35 pm