FAQ: SQL Server 2014 Standard 50 Device CAL

1. What is SQL Server 2014 Standard 50 Device CAL?

SQL Server 2014 Standard 50 Device CAL is a Device CAL type licence, intended for 50 specific devices that will connect to the Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Standard server. This is not a programme, installer or software medium, but a licence document confirming the right of access in accordance with Microsoft's licensing rules. Such a purchase is most often chosen by companies, offices, schools and medical facilities, where several people use one computer in shifts. The licence organises the legal status of the organisation and is important from the point of view of compliance during an audit.

2. What does CAL mean and why is this licence needed?

The CAL abbreviation means Client Access Licence, i.e. a client access licence. In practice, this means that simply having a licence for the SQL Server does not always suffice for users or devices to be able to legally use the services of this server. If an organisation uses the server + CAL model, it must have the appropriate number of access licences. In the case of the 50 Device CAL variant, exactly 50 devices are authorised. This is important because the lack of proper CALs may be treated as a licensing non-compliance, even if the server itself was purchased legally.

3. What is the difference between User CAL and Device CAL?

User CAL is assigned to a specific person who can connect to the server from multiple devices, for example from an office computer, laptop and terminal. Device CAL, on the other hand, is assigned to a specific device, which can be used by multiple people. The choice depends on the way the company works. If one employee uses several workstations, User CAL is usually more cost-effective. However, if many people use one computer, terminal, kiosk or warehouse workstation, Device CAL is often better. In the SQL Server 2014 Standard 50 Device CAL product, devices are licensed, not users.

4. How many CAL licences do I need in practice?

The number of licences should be determined based on how many devices will access the SQL Server. If a company has 38 workstations, 6 terminals and 4 warehouse computers that connect to the database, it needs licences for 48 devices in total. In such a situation, the 50 Device CAL package provides a sufficient reserve. It's not just the number of employees that counts, but the actual number of devices with access. It's also worth considering shift environments, receptions, sales points and shared devices. Good practice is to keep an internal record of licence assignment to devices.

5. Does one Device CAL licence cover any number of people using one computer?

Yes, and this is one of the main advantages of the Device CAL model. If one device is used by multiple employees, only one licence assigned to that device is needed, not a separate one for each person. That's why this model is often beneficial for production companies, customer service points, warehouses, schools or medical facilities. However, it's essential to remember that the authorisation only applies to the specified device. If another computer also needs to connect to the server, it requires a separate access licence.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or call us at 00 800 121 1654.

6. Is this product a legal licence and how to verify its authenticity?

Yes, the offered product concerns a legal licensing right, not a "key from an uncertain source" or a programme copy. In the case of such an item, the key is the origin of the document, the correctness of the licensing model, and the possibility of demonstrating the right to use during the inspection. Customers pay attention to licence legitimisation, so the following are essential: a clear product description, a sales document, and compliance with Microsoft's rules. This is a licensing purchase for a company or institution, so the most important thing is to confirm that the buyer obtains a legal access entitlement for a specified number of devices.

7. What does the delivery look like, since it's not physical software?

Since it is a licence being a legal document, not software, the delivery usually takes an electronic form and includes documents confirming the purchase and the scope of entitlements. The customer does not buy a box with a programme to install, but a formal licensing right concerning CAL access. This form is convenient for companies that want to quickly supplement missing licences and organise compliance in their documentation. If needed, details can be confirmed by phone before purchase on 00 800 121 1654.

8. Will I receive a VAT invoice?

Yes, the purchase is documented with a VAT invoice, which is important for both accounting and evidential purposes. For many companies, the invoice is a fundamental element in demonstrating the legal acquisition of a licence during internal compliance procedures or an external audit. In practice, it's worth storing together: the VAT invoice, product description, and any documentation assigning the licence to devices. Such a set facilitates later confirmation that the organisation has the proper number of access entitlements.

9. Can the Device CAL licence be transferred to another device?

As a rule, the Device CAL licence is assigned to a specific device, so it should not be treated as freely "movable" between many computers according to current needs. In practice, transfer requires caution and should result from a justified change, such as a permanent hardware exchange, not daily rotation of entitlements. To maintain compliance, it's best to keep documentation on which devices are covered by licences and since when. If a company plans frequent hardware changes or hybrid work on many devices, it's worth considering earlier whether the User CAL model won't be organisationally safer.

10. How to prepare a company for licence compliance with SQL Server 2014 Standard CAL?

The most important thing is to determine who or what gains access to the server and then choose the appropriate model: User CAL or Device CAL. With the 50 Device CAL variant, it's necessary to prepare a list of devices that have access to the SQL Server environment and check if their number does not exceed the purchased limit. A good practice is also to archive the VAT invoice, purchase documents, and internal licence assignment. Such order helps to limit the risk of non-compliance, licence surcharges, and problems during inspections. If help is needed in selecting the right variant or verifying how many licences will be needed, you can contact us by phone: 00 800 121 1654. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].