When you sell a copy of Windows Server, the customer will receive a server license permitting installation of the operating system on one computer. A server license by itself does not provide the legal right for others to connect to that computer, whether they work for the company or not. Instead, each user needs a Client Access License (CAL).
Customers will need a CAL for each employee, or each employee device, that accesses the Windows Server installation, but not for anonymous users who access it over the Internet.
Server CALs are cost effective and affordable, allowing customers to pay only for the licensing they need with the option of buying more as their businesses grow.
Windows Server 2012 user and device CALs are no longer included as part of the Windows Server software and must be purchased separately. They can be bought in packs of 1, 5, 10, or 50.
| Product |
CALs required |
|---|
| Windows Server 2012 Standard |
Yes |
| Windows Server 2012 Datacenter |
Yes |
| Windows Server 2012 Foundation |
No |
| Windows Server 2012 Essentials |
No |
| Windows Storage Server 2012 Standard |
No |
| Product |
License |
CALs Included |
|---|
| Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard |
Server + CAL |
5 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise |
Server + CAL |
10 or 25 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter |
Processor + CAL |
No CALs included |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation |
Server |
No CALs required1 |
| Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials |
Server |
No CALs required2 |
| Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard |
Server + CAL |
53 |
| Windows Small Business Server 2011 Premium Add-on |
Server + CAL |
54 |
1Supports a maximum of 15 user accounts.
2Supports a maximum of 25 user accounts.
3Supports a maximum of 75 user accounts.
4SBS 2011 Premium Add-on CALs are required for access to the SQL Server software.
Any time you sell a server preinstalled with Windows Server software, you should also offer server CALs to the customer at the point of purchase. Server CALs are often overlooked during a sales transaction, but they can be key revenue generators for partners and Microsoft.
Use the Calibrate Your Sales training materials to show frontline sales agents and licensing subject matter experts the benefits of CALs, what they’re for, and how to sell them properly. You may customize these assets to fit your specific requirements.
