Windows Server (or windows 10 dekstop) 2019 and Licensing

Question

Mainly I am looking for help understanding licensing so I can proceed to use a desktop/server and manage a 3rd party software install.

Do I go with Server 2019 and will I need User/Device CALS? or can I use Windows 10? -- The Application supports both

1st, I will need no functions of a typical server as the software provides everything needed. (web service, smtp, imap, local database connections) some of these services will be accessed by a few 25-100 remote users at different times. .. What is the licensing stance for accessing these application services with remote users/devices using either or Windows Server 2019 / Windows 10 .

2nd, if I am sharing files using basic SMB on windows 10 or even a Windows Server would I need CALS for this basic setup.

Answer 1

I want to do this right but don't want to over spend if it's not needed

Your reseller's trained licensing specialist will be your best resource for these questions.

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Answer 2

Windows 10 generally has a 20 concurrent connection limit.
Server 2019 has no concurrent connection limit but yes you'll need user or device Cals to access the server.

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Answer 3

Hi

windows 10 generally has a 20 concurrent connection limit and Server 2019 has no concurrent conncetion limit.
Here is a link showing Concurrent Connection Limits on Windows and Mac.
https://www.redcort.com/timeclock/support/blog/concurrent-connection-limits-on-windows-and-mac
Please note : Information posted in the given link is hosted by a third party. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy and effectiveness of information.

When sharing files on a windows server , User CALs or Device CALs are needed.
User CALs allow a single user access to Windows Server from an unlimited number of devices.
Device CALs allow an unlimited number of users to access Windows Server from a single device.
This link would be helpful to unserstand the differences.
https://community.hpe.com/t5/Alliances/Understanding-Windows-Server-Client-Access-Licenses-CALs/ba-p/7001696#.YNAmg_LiuUk

Best Regards

Answer 4

Just checking if there's any progress or updates?

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Answer 5

Thank you again!! Still unsure I feel like it shouldn't be necessary for CALs

This again will be a 3rd party service relying on nothing from the windows OS for authentication.

It's like a website that you access. Runs no database though I could use one if I wanted. Only local text based file system. It authenticates the users against it's own files. It does have access to things smtp, IMAP services but again not provided by the OS.

Would this be like the p2p services? Surly you don't need CALs for all of the users that connect to that ;-)

This 3rd party service is sort of like WAMP (Windows Apache MySQL PHP) I use to run back in the day for free from my house. Was I breaking the license then?

This license stuff can really drive one crazy lol.. I want to do this right but don't want to over spend if it's not needed/serviced directly by the OS.