Deploying a Windows Server environment requires understanding two distinct license requirements: the Server OS License (Standard or Datacenter) and Client Access Licenses (CALs).
What is a CAL?
A Client Access License (CAL) grants legal permission for devices or users on your corporate network to connect to and access Windows Server services (such as file shares, printing, domain authentication, or DNS).
User CAL vs Device CAL: How to Choose
- User CAL: Licensed per human employee. That user can access server resources from unlimited devices (work laptop, desktop, mobile phone, home tablet). Ideal for companies with remote workers or employees who use multiple devices.
- Device CAL: Licensed per physical computer. Unlimited different employees can use that single machine to access the server. Ideal for shift workers, call centers, manufacturing floors, or hotel front desks where multiple workers share one PC.
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CALs
If your users need to run remote desktop sessions or terminal services on the server, you will additionally need RDS CALs on top of standard Server CALs. WindowsKey offers RDS 50-User and 50-Device CAL packages ready for instant deployment.