Microsoft Windows Server Client Access Licenses (CALs)

A Windows Server CAL is a license that enables users or devices to access Windows Server. CALs work alongside Microsoft Windows Server OS licenses, granting users and/or devices access to utilize the server’s services.

For customers running Windows Server on their new HPE Gen10 server, they will need to acquire both a Windows Server OS license to operate the software on the physical server and CALs for the users or devices accessing the server.

This two-part licensing model provides a low initial cost with flexibility to scale based on usage: as more devices or users access the server software, additional CALs are required. This approach ensures cost-effectiveness for organizations of all sizes.

Types of CALs:

HPE offers several types of Windows Server CALs:

• User CALs: Allow a single user to access Windows Server from an unlimited number of devices.
• Device CALs: Allow multiple users to access Windows Server from a single device.
• If the organization has roaming employees who access the network from multiple devices, User CALs are the most cost-effective and manageable option.
• If multiple users share one device, such as shift workers at a kiosk, Device CALs are the more economical choice.

Additionally, Remote Desktop Service (RDS) CALs are required for users or devices that need to utilize Remote Desktop Services on Windows Server. Note that RDS CALs must be used in conjunction with regular User or Device CALs.