Active Directory only, No shares - Do I need CALs for each user?

ZACHARY HARPER 20 Reputation points
2024-10-14T18:14:07.5533333+00:00

Hey all,

I have 50 users I want to manage via Active Directory. I have no other MS servers or shares on the network, and no shares on the A/D server. Do I still need to buy CAL's for each user? All of my shared data is via cloud storage.

Active Directory
Active Directory
A set of directory-based technologies included in Windows Server.
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  1. Yanhong Liu 12,170 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-10-15T02:21:16.5033333+00:00

    Hello,

    Yes, you would still need Client Access Licenses (CALs) for each user or device that accesses the server, even if you are only using Active Directory and not utilizing any other Microsoft server features or shares. CALs are required for using Microsoft server software, and Active Directory is included under this requirement.

    Since you have 50 users, you would need either 50 User CALs (if each user accesses the server from multiple devices) or Device CALs (if multiple users share the same device). You need to determine which type of CAL is more cost-effective for your particular situation.

    I hope the information above is helpful.

    Best Regards,

    Yanhong Liu

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