Window Server 2003 CAL question

[KK]

Can someone tell me in laymans terms what CALs are used for. If we are running a server and access the drives of that server from other computers would each instance of someone pulling files across from the server be using 1 CAL?

 

[LiLithTecH]

In Microsoft terminology:

A Client Access License (CAL) is required for each user or device (or combination of both)
that accesses or uses the server

 

[spyordie007]

He is running server 2003 though, so more specifically there are 2 options here. User CALs and Device CALs.

If you have purchased User CALs than each user account accessing the server would require a CAL, if you have purchased Device CALs than each device that accesses the server would require a CAL.

Typically most purchase User CALs because you end up with a user accessing the server from multiple devices (so this is most cost effective); however there are times that having Device CALs are more cost effective such as a call center where a single computer is used by multiple users.

Confused yet?

EDIT: You might find these sites useful:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/sam/lic_cal.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/howtobuy/licensing/caloverview.mspx

 

[RebateMonger]

In a more general sense, remember WHY there are CALS:

Microsoft needs to make a profit on the Server software. There are two ways to do this:

1) Charge a HUGE price for the Server OS itself.
2) Charge a low price for the Server OS, and then license it by the User or Device.

With the first option, most small businesses would be unable to afford the software. The only "fair" way to do it is to charge a low price for the OS and then charge by the User (or Device).

Microsofts INTENT with their CALS is that Users or Devices that are connecting to the Server should have licenses. The only exception is for non-Authenticated access from the Internet, such as a public web site or public FTP site, where CALS aren't required.