Client Access License (CAL) definitions for Windows Server

Windows Server (Standard & Enterprise Editions) and Small Business Server (Standard & Premium Editions) require Client Access Licenses (CAL) for each device accessing the network. CALs are only valid for the correct corresponding Operating System (OS). A factory pre-installed OS purchased with the server includes the first 5 CALs free. Additional CALs purchased here will be shipped with the server.

Client Access Licensing Requirements

Every user or device that accesses or uses the Windows Server software requires the purchase of a Windows Server Client Access License (Windows Server CAL) except under following circumstances:

If access to the instances of server software is only through the Internet without being authenticated or otherwise individually identified by the server software or through any other means
If access is to Windows Web Server 2008 or Windows Web Server 2008 R2
If external users are accessing the instances of server software and you have acquired a Windows Server 2008 External Connector license for each server being accessed
For up to two devices or users to access your instances of the server software only to administer those instances
If you are using Windows Server 2008 R2 solely as a virtualization host (you will still require CALs for your appropriate WS edition running in the virtual machine(s)

Device-based or User-based Windows Client Access Licenses

There are two types of Windows Client Access Licenses from which to choose: device-based or user-based, also known as Windows Device CALs or Windows User CALs. This means you can choose to acquire a Windows CAL for every device (used by any user) accessing your servers, or you can choose to acquire a Windows CAL for every named user accessing your servers (from any device). The option to choose between the two types of Windows CALs offers you the flexibility to use the licensing that best suits the needs of your organization. For example:

Windows Device CALs might make most economic and administrative sense for an organization with multiple users for one device, such as shift workers.
Whereas, Windows User CALs might make most sense for an organization with many employees who need access to the corporate network from unknown devices (for example, when traveling) and/or an organization with employees who access the network from multiple

cal windows server

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Client Access License (CAL) definitions for Windows Server

Client Access License (CAL) definitions for Windows Server

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