Microsoft CAL Suites: FAQs

Client Access License (CAL) Suites FAQ

1. What is the Enterprise CAL Suite? Does it take the place of the existing Core CAL Suite?

  • The Enterprise CAL Suite and the Core CAL Suite will exist together and make up the Microsoft Server CAL Suite portfolio.
  • The Enterprise CAL Suite will be a superset of the Core CAL Suite, and will enable you to take full advantage of the communication and collaboration capabilities Microsoft offers in a security-enhanced and well-managed way.
  • The Enterprise CAL Suite is focused on communication, collaboration, and compliance, and enables presence functionality and synchronous communications (IM), enterprise content management, information rights management, client security, server and Web security, client and server real-time monitoring and updates, conferencing, Web-based forms solutions, and business data connectors.

2. What is included in the Core CAL Suite and the Enterprise CAL Suite?

  • Core CAL Suite—Windows Server CAL, Exchange Server 2007 Standard CAL, Office SharePoint Server 2007 Standard CAL, System Center Configuration Manager Configuration Management License (CML).
  • Enterprise CAL Suite—Core CAL Suite plus Exchange Server 2007 Enterprise CAL, Office SharePoint Server 2007 Enterprise CAL, Office Communications Server 2007 Standard CAL, Office Communications Server 2007 Enterprise CAL, Windows Rights Management Services, System Center Operations Manager Client Operations Management License (OML), and Forefront Security Suite.

3. Why would I want to purchase a CAL Suite instead of individual product CALs?

  • Flexibility and control—The suites give you the flexibility to deploy multiple Microsoft server products in your enterprise as your business needs change.
  • Simplified licensing—The suites are the most simple and cost-effective way to acquire and manage licenses.
  • More value for your money—Purchasing the suites enables you to extend your IT budget by getting advanced capabilities at a lower price than if you purchased the CALs individually.

4. How do I know if the Core CAL Suite or the Enterprise CAL Suite is right for me?

  • The Core CAL Suite provides core infrastructure for an organization, while the Enterprise CAL Suite extends an organization's infrastructure to support user collaboration, communication, and compliance scenarios with enhanced security.
  • If you have two or more Enterprise CAL Suite products on your three-to-five-year IT road maps, for economic reasons alone the Enterprise CAL Suite will probably make sense for your business.

5. What are the differences between the Standard and Enterprise CALs available for Office SharePoint Server, Exchange Server, and Office Communications Server?

  • Today Standard CALs are necessary for users to access Office SharePoint Server, Exchange Server, and Office Communications Server. With the exception of the Office Communications Server Standard CAL, these Standard CALs are found in the Core CAL Suite. Enterprise CALs will be available for these products with the launch of the 2007 Microsoft Office system, and all three Enterprise CALs are included in the Enterprise CAL Suite.
  • Enterprise CALs were added to allow more flexibility in purchasing. They provide incremental and unique functionality that capitalizes on existing server investments.

6. How does the Enterprise CAL Suite relate to the Enterprise Desktop platform offering?

  • The Enterprise CAL Suite, Windows Vista, and Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 comprise the Enterprise Desktop platform offering.

7. Can I buy CAL Suite components individually?

  • All Enterprise CAL Suite components are available as separate SKUs on an Enterprise Agreement, Select, or Open basis as additional products.

8. How can I get support for specific licensing questions not related to the Microsoft CAL Suites?

  • Please contact your Volume Licensing partner. A list can be found on the Microsoft Licensing Program Resellers page.
  • In the United States, call (800) 426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M.—6:00 P.M. Pacific Time to speak directly to a Microsoft Customer Service agent about the program options best suited to meet your needs.