Understanding CAL

Question

I would like to know what are the differences between Windows CAL and Windows CAL Remote Desltop. What is the difference between them? Why I need both for Citrix access? May i use a CAL for different servers? that is user "user1" would access to server "server 1" and "server2", how many cals does he need? 1 or 2?

What is the aim of sql cal? Is for accessing a user to the sql server but do i need more cals such as Remote Desktop and Windows CAL? if i use a web app to access to the sql server do i need another cal?

is there a number of cal included in the sql server license?

Answer 1

First of all for a better understanding:

Microsoft offers per-user and per-device CALs.
A good explanation what does it means you can find here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/product-licensing/client-access-license

There are CALs for different products and technologies available.

Windows Core CAL: Required to access "Windows Server" from the client
Windows Remote Desktop CAL: Required to accessing the RDS feature of a Windows server from the client
SQL Server CAL: Required for accessing a SQL Server database from the client

Depending on the Microsoft product and SKU there might CALs included in the package. But I am not a licensing pro, sorry.
I would assume the number of "included CALs" in the package should be on the receipt or the offer.

I recommend to get in contact with a Microsoft Licensing Partner to get a valid answer on all your questions. Licensing can be really confusing and complicated.

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Regards
Andreas Baumgarten

Answer 2

Hello @amorales23

May i use a CAL for different servers?

A Windows Server CAL gives the legal right for users or devices to connect to the server.
CALs are used in conjunction with Microsoft Windows Server OS licenses to allow Users and/or Devices to access and utilize the services of that server OS.

What is the aim of sql cal?

SQL Server CALs are Client Access Licenses and are required by Microsoft licensing in order for client computers to access a SQL Server.

what are the differences between Windows CAL and Windows CAL Remote Desktop.

RDS CALS are required for users or devices that want to utilize Remote Desktop Service functionality on Windows Server.

that is user "user1" would access to server "server 1" and "server2", how many cals does he need? 1 or 2?

This depends on the license mode selected.

Also note legal licensing questions are better directed towards your reseller's trained licensing specialist or ask microsoft directly.
https://www.microsoft.com/Licensing/servicecenter/Help/Contact.aspx

or email volume licensing service.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/supportrequestform/2afa6f15-b710-db46-909a-8346017c802f?sl=en&sc=US
I would recommend you to contact sales or license specialist for Licensing support.

VLSC Support Center Contact Info：
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/contact-us

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Best Regards
Karlie

Answer 3

Thank you for your answer,

I have a bit morem questions.

-if i use a web app to access to the sql server do i need another cal?

I imaginine that the answer is not, because is not a "user" is a "web", but this web connects to the sql server with an user. Just one CAL or several CAL? I mean, each user that connects to the website or just the website that acccess to the sql server.

-that is user "user1" would access to server "server 1" and "server2", how many cals does he need? 1 or 2?

The answer is depends on the license model but the license model explained is about user or device license but this is about the client not about the server. One user with different devices, i know that the best mehod is the user license but my question is about one user(independended on user or device model license) accessing to several servers. How many licenses does he need?

-I imagine that a sql server CAL doesn't need a Windows CAL or RDS CAL, do it?

Why all these license? LIcenses are expensive and i don´t understand the aim of this model, is a server and these licenses are just rights and not more software.

Answer 4

Why all these license? LIcenses are expensive

Welcome to the enterprise IT world where only the big fishes roam.