Microsoft customers said charging for each Windows client to access Terminal Server in .Net Server 2003 appears to be another attempt to push customers not yet running Windows XP to upgrade.

To encourage users to upgrade, Microsoft said it is offering a free Windows .Net Server 2003 TS CAL to those customers who already have Windows XP Professional, have their Windows desktop under an Enterprise Agreement or Software Assurance plan, or buy Windows XP Pro before the server is available.

Those who do not upgrade but still want or need to use the Terminal Server functionality will have to pay for this access, Microsoft said.