SQL Server license/CAL

Question

Hi everyone, please help to answer me the question on Microsoft SQL server. I am very new on this.

1. What is the CAL license for SQL license?
2. The current system that I am using now is we are using the SQL server as an SQL database to store the data on the server. Then we have the application to query the data from this SQL database on the client workstation. In this case. Do I need to CAL license?
3. I bought 1 open license for SQL. Please help to suggest me that the one I have bought is fulfill my system according to item 2 or not.

Thank you in advance. :)

Answer 1

Hi @PHOYEN Nattawut ,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

A Client Access License (CAL) is not a type of software, but rather, a license that grants Users or Devices access to SQL Server software. SQL CALs are a requirement only for the SQL license + CAL model, meaning that if you purchase SQL Server licenses per core (Standard Core / Enterprise Core) you will not need to purchase any additional licenses. The license + CAL model is beneficial for businesses that have a finite amount of users or devices and want to keep the cost of licensing to a minimum. If you cannot count the number of users or devices, it may be best to consider licensing SQL per core instead.

Every User or Device accessing the SQL Server software, virtual or physical, must be licensed with a SQL CAL. Users and Devices accessing the SQL software indirectly through another application or hardware device will still need a CAL. Please refer to MICROSOFT SQL CAL GUIDE to get more information.

About how to purchase license, you could consult professionals. Please call 1-800-426-9400, Monday to Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time) to directly speak to a Microsoft licensing specialist. For international customers, please use the https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/worldwide to find contact information. Or you could get help from Volume Licensing Service Center support.

Best regards,
Carrin

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