Windows Server 2016 – Device CALs

Microsoft Windows Server operating system licences

When a customer purchases a Windows Server operating system licence (Windows Server 2016 Datacenter for example), he receives a licence that allows him to install the operating system on the server. However, the Windows Server licence does not give him the legal right of connection for users and devices…which is where Windows Server 2016 – Device CALs!

Microsoft Windows Server CALs (Client Access Licenses)

Windows Server CAL is a licence that allows clients to access Windows Server. CALs are used in conjunction with Microsoft Windows Server software licences to allow users and/or devices to access and use the services offered by the server software. If your customers wish to use Microsoft Windows Server, they must purchase a Windows Server licence to run the software on the physical server AND they must purchase a CAL for each user or device that will access the server. Two-component licence models allow for low entry costs and the ability to pay only for what is actually used: costs depend on the number of devices or users accessing. This model is therefore good for companies of all sizes.

What are the different types of CALs?

HPE offers different types of Windows Server CALs.

User CALs allow a single user to access Windows Server via an unlimited number of devices

Device CALs allow an unlimited number of users to access Windows Server on a single device

Does your company employ mobile staff who need to access the company network via several devices? In this case, it makes sense to use User CALs. If, on the other hand, there are several users in the company who need to access a device, e.g. shift workers who need to access a fixed computer, it is more convenient to use Device CALs.

There is a third type of CAL also, Remote Desktop Service (RDS) CALs. RDS CALs are required when the user or device wants to use the Remote Desktop Services functionality on Windows Server. Classic User and Device CALs are still required for each RDS User or Device CAL.

More interesting facts about CALs!

Windows Server CALs can be purchased from Hewlett Packard Enterprise or authorised partners at any time and do not require the purchase of a new server. HPE offers User CALs and Device CALs in packs of 1, 5, 10 and 50 CALs and RDS User and RDS Device CALs in packs of 5 CALs.

Windows Server CALs must be of the same or higher version as the server software they access. Therefore, users or devices accessing the server running Windows Server 2016 must use Windows Server 2016 CALs; these CALs can also be used to access Windows Server 2012 (But Windows Server 2012 CALs cannot be used to access Windows Server 2016).

Staying up-to-date with the compliance requirements of CALs is imperative for those companies that do not want to fall behind or find themselves in error.

Need to add new users? Then you need more User CALs!

Need to add new devices? Then you need more Device CALs!