Share via

Do I need a device CAL or Remote CAL for a gaming server?

Anonymous
2024-07-06T00:21:04+00:00

So, I run gaming servers, a situation where people have access to my servers to play MP games I host on them. They do not need to log into my server, Think of it similar to a website access situation - user accesses game running on the server from their game client similar to how a user browses your website from their client browser. Data is bidirectional from the game to client etc.
I purchased MS Server Datacenter 2019, The only accounts on the server are 2 admin accounts mine and a remote admin for when I am not available to do admin.

The server hardware is a dual xeon server with 6 cores per cpu.

What licenses (if any) do I need to purchase. Right now I am running the eval version but wish to switch over to the purchased version. I find the whole situation with how MS has done licensing for this totally confusing.

Windows for business | Windows Server | User experience | Licensing for Azure Virtual Desktop

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question. To protect privacy, user profiles for migrated questions are anonymized.

0 comments
Accepted answer
  1. Anonymous
    2024-07-09T01:32:24+00:00

    Hello,

    CALs are required when you have users or devices accessing services on a Microsoft server. This includes accessing resources such as files, printers, applications, or services hosted on the server. For example, if you have a file server and multiple users access files stored on that server, you would need CALs for those users or devices.

    Not all server activities require CALs. For instance, if a server is used solely for processing tasks without direct user interaction, such as a database server or a web server hosting public-facing content, no CALs are needed because there is no direct user or device connection to the server.

    When it comes to Remote CALs, it is specifically designed for scenarios where users remotely access the full desktop experience hosted on a server.

    In your case, as a gaming server operator where users do not log in with individual accounts to access resources on your server, the typical requirement for CALs might not apply. Your scenario might fall under the exception where direct user or device access to server resources does not occur.

    Licensing software with CALs and MLs can be complicated due to the technical nature of server products and networks.

    The above is for reference purposes only. Before purchasing, you should consult your Microsoft representative or local reseller regarding your specific licensing needs.

    Client Access Licenses (CAL) & Management Licenses | Microsoft Volume Licensing

    Kind regards,

    Karlie

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

0 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest