Device CAL
Catalog row in Vendor License Metrics · Cited
- Unit
- Device
- Aliases
- device CAL; Device CAL; per device
- Definition
- CAL means client access license, which may be assigned by user or device, as appropriate. A device CAL allows access to corresponding versions of the server software or earlier versions of the server software from one device by any user. CALs allow access to server software running on Customer’s Licensed Servers only. (Microsoft Product Terms — Glossary.)
- Counting rules
- Client access licenses may be assigned by user or device, as appropriate. Assign the corresponding version CAL to each device that directly or indirectly accesses instances, except as the product Access Licenses section states. A hardware partition or blade is considered to be a separate device (Microsoft Software License Terms — Windows Server, last updated July 2024). CALs allow access to corresponding version or earlier versions, not later versions. Reassignment: not less than 90 days except the Universal License Terms exceptions (permanent hardware failure or loss; termination of employment or contract; temporary reallocation).
- Floors / minimums
- One Device CAL assigned to one device. No core floor. Combination of User CALs and Device CALs is permitted.
- Applies to products
- Windows Server
- SQL Server
- Applies to versions
- 2025
- Related metrics
- Product category