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CAL for Windows Cluster

Boris 41 Reputation points
2021-06-16T01:01:19.38+00:00

Hello All,

In order to setup Windows Cluster, a domain controller (Windows Server 2012 VM) is configured. 2 x Physical Server (Windows Server 2012) joins Domain and forms Windows Cluster. As no other client PCs of Windows 7/10 are involved, do we need CAL in this case?

We are arguing with our vendors for the need of CAL and they said that CAL is not required as no Windows service is used by client PC.

Thanks!

Windows Server Clustering
Windows Server Clustering
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Clustering: The grouping of multiple servers in a way that allows them to appear to be a single unit to client computers on a network. Clustering is a means of increasing network capacity, providing live backup in case one of the servers fails, and improving data security.
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  1. JiayaoZhu 3,911 Reputation points
    2021-06-16T03:20:27.857+00:00

    Hi,

    Thanks for posting on our forum!

    Based on your environment, I think whether you need a CAL depends on what exactly you do with that cluster for, or in other words, on the purpose for creating the cluster. What are your two physical nodes used for, which kind of feature you would like to add on your cluster, or will you create tons of VMs on your two physical nodes and make these VMs as your user account for clients?

    Based on your description, I agree with your vendor, it seems that you do not need CAL since there are no user or device side that needs authenticated access to your computer so far. But if you want to install SQL, RDS, and Exchange features or services on your cluster, for example, you will need a CAL.

    To better understand CAL, you can read these articles:

    What You Need to Know about Windows Server CALs

    https://promotions.newegg.com/Servers/16-1194/index.html

    (Please note: Information posted in the given link is hosted by a third party. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy and effectiveness of information.)

    Do I need CAL for my Windows Server 2016 Standard if it's used only for data sharing?

    https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/dd6b5d5c-f7f6-4ae6-b669-461626f580ce/do-i-need-cal-for-my-windows-server-2016-standard-if-its-used-only-for-data-sharing?forum=ws2016

    Thanks for your support! And I would appreciate it if you could help me Accept Answer to support my work! Have a nice day! : )

    BR,
    Joan

    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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  1. Boris 41 Reputation points
    2021-06-16T05:41:01.057+00:00

    Hi Joan,

    Thanks for your response.

    The windows cluster is used to provide physical resilience for the VMs (Windows Server 2012) hosted on it. One of the VM is the domain controller that the physical servers join. The remaining VMs (Windows Server 2012 without joining Domain services) are setup by our vendors to host their applications (no other Microsoft services are involved).

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