Some document management systems are designed to give users direct access to the underlying database used to store document metadata and therefore require a database access license for each user.
For example, an installation of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (MOSS) requires a license for each SharePoint server, as well as client access licenses (CALs) for each device or user connected to the servers. Additionally, an equal number of server and user CALs must be purchased to allow those users to access the requisite Microsoft SQL Server. It should be noted that these MS SQL Server licenses and CALs cost almost as much as the MOSS licenses, immediately doubling the apparent license cost of a SharePoint system.
In contrast, other ECM systems, such as Spielberg's FileDirector, shield the underlying database from direct user access and therefore do not require a database client access license for each user. Further, organizations have the option of choosing a database engine—MS SQL Server or Oracle—that best fits their environment and IT skill set.
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