Server Software & CALs

Server Software & CALs for Windows Server, Exchange, SQL and business server infrastructure

Properly licensing server software and Client Access Licences is essential for regulatory compliance and vendor audit readiness. This category covers server operating system licences, application server software, and the user and device CALs required for Microsoft server environments. Correct licensing protects your organisation from compliance risk and ensures access to vendor support.

Windows Server licences

Windows Server is available in Standard, Datacenter, and Essentials editions. Standard edition covers up to two physical processors and includes two virtual machine licences. Datacenter edition provides unlimited virtualisation rights and is the preferred option for highly virtualised environments. Essentials is designed for small businesses with up to 25 users.

Microsoft server application software

Exchange Server provides on-premises email and calendar infrastructure. SharePoint Server enables document management and collaboration. SQL Server provides enterprise database services. Remote Desktop Services (RDS) enables remote application and desktop delivery. Each of these requires separate CALs for every user or device accessing the service.

Understanding Client Access Licences

A CAL grants the right of a user or device to access a server product's services. User CALs are assigned to a named individual and allow access from any device. Device CALs are assigned to a specific device and allow any user of that device to access the service. Choose the type that minimises total licence count for your environment.

CAL suites for cost-effective licensing

Microsoft Core CAL Suite and Enterprise CAL Suite bundle multiple CALs at a reduced per-seat cost. The Core CAL Suite covers Windows Server, Exchange, SharePoint, Lync/Teams, and System Center. These suites are ideal for organisations using multiple Microsoft server products.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a CAL for every person who accesses my Windows Server?

Yes. Microsoft requires a CAL for every user or device that accesses Windows Server services, regardless of whether the access is direct or indirect through an application. Contractors and partners accessing your server also require CALs.

Can I use the same CAL for multiple server products?

Not typically. Each Microsoft server product (Exchange, SharePoint, SQL, Windows Server) requires its own CAL, unless you purchase a CAL Suite that bundles multiple products.

What is the difference between an RDS CAL and a Windows Server CAL?

A Windows Server CAL covers access to general server services. An RDS (Remote Desktop Services) CAL is additionally required for each user or device using Remote Desktop to run applications or desktops hosted on the server.

How do I calculate how many CALs my organisation needs?

Count the total number of named users (for User CALs) or managed devices (for Device CALs) that will access the server, whichever count is lower. For mixed environments, a combination of User and Device CALs may be most cost-effective.

Are CALs included with Windows Server licences?

No. Windows Server licences and CALs are sold separately. Purchasing a Windows Server licence only covers the right to run the server software. Separate CALs must be purchased for all users or devices accessing it.