FAQ: SQL Server 2019 Standard 10 User CAL
1. What is SQL Server 2019 Standard 10 User CAL?
SQL Server 2019 Standard 10 User CAL is a package of 10 user CAL licenses for users connecting to a Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Standard server licensed under the Server + CAL model. It is not a program, installation disc, or separate database server, but a license document confirming the right to access an already owned SQL Server environment. Such a purchase has formal and compliance significance: it legalizes access for a specific number of users to data, reports, applications, and services using SQL Server.
2. What does CAL mean and what is it for?
CAL, or Client Access License, is a access license required when SQL Server Standard operates in a server model with access licenses. In practice, this means that buying a server license is not always enough. If employees, salespeople, accounting, warehouse, ERP application, or other individuals in the organization use the database, their access must be covered by an appropriate number of CALs. The CAL license does not install any technical functions, but confirms the legality of using the system in accordance with the manufacturer's rules.
3. What is the difference between User CAL and Device CAL?
User CAL is assigned to a specific user, regardless of the number of devices they use. This is a good solution when one person works on, for example, an office computer, laptop, and phone, or connects from different locations.
Device CAL is assigned to a specific device, regardless of the number of people using it. This option is beneficial, for example, for shift workstations, production terminals, reception, or shared warehouse computers.
The 10 User CAL package will be suitable where you want to license 10 specific users, not 10 devices.
4. How many CAL licenses do I need to buy?
You should buy as many licenses as there are users who actually access SQL Server, regardless of whether they do it directly or through an intermediate application. If 7 employees use the system, you need at least 7 User CALs. If 12 people use it, the 10 User CAL package is not enough, and you need to purchase additional licenses. It's worth remembering that indirect access, e.g., through CRM, ERP, reporting system, or web application, may also require appropriate licensing. Licenses should reflect the actual usage model, not just the number of computers in the company.
5. Does one User CAL license cover multiple computers of the same person?
Yes. This is one of the main advantages of User CAL licenses. If the same employee uses multiple devices but remains one user, one User CAL license is sufficient. This model is convenient for salespeople, management, administrators, hybrid work, and remote work. However, if multiple people use one account or workstation, you need to assess the actual access model and choose licenses according to the manufacturer's rules.
6. Is SQL Server 2019 Standard 10 User CAL a legal license, and what does the purchase confirmation look like?
Yes, the offered product is a legal access license from Microsoft, intended for business use in accordance with the licensing terms. The customer receives a purchase confirmation and sales documents suitable for this type of license. In the case of this type of product, what matters is not the "box" but the license certificate, i.e., the ability to demonstrate the right to use during an audit or internal compliance control. This is a purchase of access rights, not a medium or installer.
7. What does the delivery look like, and what exactly do I receive after purchase?
The delivery is electronic and concerns the document/license, not physical software. After the order is realized, the customer receives the necessary information to confirm the legality of the purchase and assign the license in the company's documentation. This is important because, in the case of CAL, formal compliance and proper documentation of rights are crucial. If you need confirmation of the order scope or help in selecting the User/Device variant, you can contact us by phone at 00 800 121 1654.
8. Will I receive a VAT invoice for the purchase?
Yes, the purchase is documented with a VAT invoice, which is important for both accounting and evidential purposes. The invoice confirms the acquisition of the license by a specific entity and is one of the basic elements of compliance documentation. In practice, it's worth storing it along with the environment description, number of users, and information about which server or infrastructure the access licenses are assigned to.
9. Can a CAL license be transferred to another user or company?
In principle, a CAL license is assigned to a user or device and should not be treated as freely rotatable. Changing the assignment should be done in accordance with Microsoft's licensing terms. In practice, this means that you should not arbitrarily "lend" one license to multiple people in rotation just to reduce the number of required CALs. In the case of organizational changes, transferring the assignment is usually possible within the licensing rules, but transferring between different business entities requires separate legal and documentary evaluation.
10. How to ensure licensing compliance with SQL Server 2019 Standard?
The safest approach is to adopt a simple rule: count all users who have access to SQL Server, including through intermediate applications, and choose the appropriate number of CALs. Then, you should store the purchase document, VAT invoice, and internal information about who the licenses are assigned to. In case of company expansion, licenses should be supplemented on an ongoing basis. If you are unsure whether the User CAL or Device CAL variant is better, it's worth consulting before ordering. Assistance in selecting and verifying the licensing variant is available at 00 800 121 1654. You can also contact us at [email protected] for more information.