Licensing windows server - user CAL

Question

Dear community,

Please help me with the licensing question.

We have in our pipeline a number of digitalization projects that will include a DMS component that is run on a Windows Server. The DMS is in .NET and it will use the IIS on that windows server. The number of users are varying from 333 to 2400 users/employees for each system/project. Do we need to license CAL's for every employee even if this is a web job? The partner that will implement the DMS is saying that he will use only one anonymous user and mask every user with a token so there will be only one CAL needed for the server and manage users with a third party. Is this a possible option considering the Microsoft's EULA? Could you direct me to a resource where i can verify the info? All i could find is either from 2002 or very vague... Thank you!

Answer 1

Hello，

According to Microsoft's licensing policy, a Client Access License (CAL) is required for each user or device that accesses or uses the server software. This includes web-based applications that run on the server, such as your DMS. Therefore, you would need to purchase CALs for each user that will be accessing the DMS, regardless of whether they are using a web-based interface or not.

Using a single anonymous user and masking every user with a token is not a valid licensing option according to Microsoft's EULA. This would be considered a violation of the licensing policy and could result in legal consequences.

I would recommend consulting with a licensed reseller to determine the exact licensing requirements for your specific scenario. They can provide you with the most up-to-date information and help you ensure that you are in compliance with Microsoft's licensing policies.

Best Regards,

Hania Lian

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Answer 2

If you're hosting a web app then you do not need a license for each user that uses the web app. If users are going to connect to that server via remote desktop, file sharing or something then you'd need a license for each user (if you are going that route).