Cal Licenses

A Client Access License (CAL) is a license that grants a user or device the right to access Microsoft server software. It is separate from the server operating system or application license and is required for each user or device that directly or indirectly accesses the server.

Yes, Microsoft requires a CAL for each user or device that directly or indirectly accesses the server software. This includes employees, contractors, and in some cases external partners. Even indirect access — such as a user accessing a web application that queries a SQL Server — requires a CAL.

A User CAL licenses a specific user to access the server from any device — ideal for mobile workforces and employees who use multiple devices. A Device CAL licenses a specific device to be used by any number of users — more cost-effective for shift workers, shared workstations, and call centre environments.

Yes. Windows Server CALs grant access to the base Windows Server OS and its core network services. RDS (Remote Desktop Services) CALs are an additional license required when users remotely access a Windows Server desktop or individual applications via Remote Desktop Session Host or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. Both CAL types are mandatory — having one does not cover the other.

No. SQL CALs are specific to the SQL Server edition and licensing model. Under the Server + CAL model (typically Standard edition), each user or device needs a SQL CAL. Under the Per Core model (typically Enterprise edition or high-volume scenarios), no CALs are required — licensing is based entirely on the number of processor cores. You cannot mix models on the same server.

CAL Suites bundle multiple Microsoft CALs at a significant discount compared to purchasing each CAL type individually. The Core CAL Suite includes Windows Server CAL, Exchange Standard CAL, SharePoint Standard CAL, and Skype for Business Standard CAL. The Enterprise CAL Suite adds the enterprise-tier CALs for each of those products plus advanced compliance features. For organisations using three or more Microsoft server products, CAL Suites typically reduce total licensing costs by 30-50%.