SQL CAL based Licensing

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SQL CAL based Licensing

Arsh

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Points: 6367
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August 7, 2025 at 10:06 am

#4632064

Hi Folks,
I am about to purchase SQL server licences and need your advice on the Device CAL model. I understand we have to pay for the server license and then as per device count. SO if we have 2 application servers , with each routing 5 client connections, do I have to pay for 2 Device CALS (Application servers only) or 10 (5 client devices , each for 2 app servers)? Thank you in advance.

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Mr. Brian Gale SSC-Insane Points: 24968 More actions · Answer 1

My advice - reach out to your licensing contact as they will be able to help you more than a random forum.

But according to Microsoft:

Client access licenses (CALs) are required for every user or device accessing a server in the Server + CAL licensing model. See the product use rights for details. (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2207505)

The above is all just my opinion on what you should do.
As with all advice you find on a random internet forum - you shouldn't blindly follow it. Always test on a test server to see if there is negative side effects before making changes to live!
I recommend you NEVER run "random code" you found online on any system you care about UNLESS you understand and can verify the code OR you don't care if the code trashes your system.

Arsh SSCertifiable Points: 6367 More actions · Answer 2

Thank you, but the licensing contact needs a number from me as they would just send a Quotation/PO. So if you were me , with the user devices I mentioned,do you ask to be billed for 2 CALs for the two application servers only ? or 10 ( 2 * 5 client PCs) in total or its 12 ( 2*5 + 2 app servers) ? Thank you.

This reply was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by Arsh.

frederico_fonseca SSCoach Points: 16251 More actions · Answer 3

look at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/product-licensing/client-access-license#tab-overview

if it is a small organization and all the users on that organization are going to need access to the SQL Server (directly or indirectly) then buy device CAL - so 5 workstations + 2 app servers = 7 CALS making those devices all licensed to access your SQL Server.

note that a CAL is per device/user, not per destination server - so if you had 2 SQL Servers boxes, 1 CAL would give access to both servers.

RobertThomas Grasshopper Points: 13 More actions · Answer 4

RobertThomas

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Points: 13

August 12, 2025 at 8:37 am

#4634295

Thanks for the link.

Arsh SSCertifiable Points: 6367 More actions · Answer 5

Thank you for the response and also the link.

A question still : How do we count the license if only say , one Application Server connects to the SQL server on behalf of 5 client PCs , using the same user account? thank you.