Microsoft has introduced new licensing options with the release of Windows Small Business Server 2008 to address customer business needs and feedback from previously released versions of the product. This is part of a broad effort to make software licensing more consistent, predictable, and flexible for our customers.
If you are unfamiliar with Client Access Licensing, go to the licensing background section of this page for more details.
What has remained consistent with previous version licensing?
Server License: Client Access License (CAL) Model
Microsoft continues to offer an affordable licensing model to allow for complete scalability of your cost in relation to your usage. Customers purchase a server license for the Windows Small Business Server 2008 Edition of server product they will use and purchase CALs for users or devices accessing the Small Business Server network.
What's New in Windows Small Business Server 2008 Licensing?
Two types of CALs
To allow for the most flexibility for our customers, Microsoft is introducing two CAL Suites for the 2008 version of Small Business Server:
SBS 2008 CAL Suite: For each user or device accessing the SBS network
SBS 2008 CAL Suite for Premium: For only those users or devices accessing the premium features of SBS 2008 Premium Edition
More choice in CAL quantity
In addition to offering two CAL Suites, Microsoft is also offering various CAL quantities to suit your specific needs:
SBS 2008 CAL Suite: Available in 1, 5, and 20 pack quantities for either User or Device
SBS 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices: Available in 1, 5 and 20 pack quantities for either User or Device
Pricing
Find Windows Small Business Server 2008 pricing information.
Microsoft Software Assurance Program
Software Assurance (SA) enables customers to get the most out of their software investment by combining the latest software with phone support, partner services, training, and IT tools that help customers deploy, manage, and migrate software. Windows Small Business Server 2008 is available through the SA program. We recommend that you purchase Software Assurance for your servers and CALs in order to use the latest Windows Small Business Server release, and to take advantage of the many additional benefits of the Microsoft Software Assurance program.
For licensing advice on configuring products, programs, and pricing options, visit the Microsoft Product Licensing Advisor.
Licensing Background
Server Licensing Requirements
The Windows Small Business Server 2008 license gives you the right to install and use the server software. The purchase of a Windows Small Business Server 2008 comes with five CALs, which give you the right to have five devices or users access the server software.
CAL Requirements
With Windows Small Business Server 2008, use of server services does not activate CALs. Instead, businesses choose how CALs will be used based on how the server needs to be accessed on a regular basis. Both editions of Windows Small Business Server 2008 offer two types of CALs to choose from: device-based (Device CALs) or user-based (User CALs) options. These options give you the flexibility to choose the CAL that best suits your organization.
Device CALs
With device CALs, you acquire a CAL for every device—such as laptops, desktop computers, and Microsoft Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs and Smartphones—that needs access to your server. With this option, any user can access the server on the licensed device. Device CALs might make the most economic and administrative sense for an organization that has multiple users for one device, such as shift workers. If you choose device CALs, then each device that accesses the Windows Small Business Server 2008 server will consume a CAL, and you can reallocate that CAL if you retire a device.User CALs
With user CALs, you acquire a CAL for individuals who are given named access to your server. Licensed users can access the server from any device. User CALs might make the most sense for an organization that has many roaming employees who need access to the corporate network from mobile devices or employees who use multiple devices to access the network. You can reallocate a user CAL if a reassignment is permanent. You can also temporarily reassign a user CAL if the user is on leave or the device is disabled.
CAL Compliance
When completing the CAL license document, you can specify whether you would like a per-user or a per-device CAL. For CAL add-in packs, separate versions are available for per-user and per-device preferences.
For license compliance, it is recommended that you maintain records of your purchase and CAL assignments.
The Value of Volume/Open Licensing
If you are interested in acquiring more than five CALs, Microsoft offers specific volume-licensing solutions designed to meet the needs of small businesses and organizations. Microsoft licensing programs help save you time and money by making the purchase and management of multiple software licenses easier.
Benefits of volume licensing include:
Electronic license management allows you to easily manage your licenses, orders, and portfolios online through eOpen.
Discounts over full retail prices.
Ability to obtain licenses through multiple locations.
Access to the Microsoft Software Assurance program (see details above).
For further details on volume/open licensing, please also see the interactive videos in our Small Business Center.