Access licenses

Client Access Licenses (CAL) are a key element of the Microsoft licensing system, enabling users and devices to access servers and their services. CALs are essential in environments using Microsoft server products, such as Windows Server or SQL Server, and come in two main forms: User CALs and Device CALs. A User CAL allows one user to access the server from any device, while a Device CAL allows access to the server for any user, but from a specified device. The choice between User CAL and Device CAL depends on the specific needs of the organization and usage model. Purchasing the appropriate CALs is essential for the legal use of Microsoft server services, while ensuring compliance with licensing regulations and optimizing costs within the IT infrastructure.