Microsoft SQL Server 2016 User CAL

Microsoft SQL Server 2016 User CAL – client access licence per user

The SQL Server 2016 User CAL is the client access licence for SQL Server in the “Server + CAL” model. Every person who accesses the database directly or via an application needs a User CAL – regardless of how many devices they use.

You choose 1, 5, 10, 25 or 50 CALs here. The CAL applies to SQL Server 2016 and older versions.

The key facts at a glance

• Access right to SQL Server 2016 and older versions
• Licensing per person
• Packages with 1, 5, 10, 25 or 50 CALs
• No technical activation – proof via licence documents
• Also applies to indirect access via applications

Who is this client access licence for?

• employees who access inventory management from several devices
• field staff with notebook and tablet
• teams working from home
• companies with more devices than employees

New in SQL Server 2016

• Query Store for analysing and stabilising query plans
• Always Encrypted for encrypted columns
• Row-level security and dynamic data masking
• Temporal tables and native JSON support

User or Device?

User CALs are worthwhile if employees use several devices. Device CALs are worthwhile if several people share one device, for example in shift work. Important: anyone who accesses the database only indirectly via an application, a web portal or an interface also needs a CAL (so-called multiplexing). With very many or unknown users, core licensing without CALs is the better choice.

Licences compared

You will find more licences in the category SQL Server 2016 CAL.

Why SQL Server 2016?

Since SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 1, many former Enterprise features such as partitioning, columnstore and in-memory are also available in the Standard edition – a big step for small and medium-sized businesses.

Typical scenarios

• employees with PC and notebook
• field staff with mobile devices
• home office access to inventory management
• management with several devices

Example calculation

If 15 employees work with the database, you need 15 User CALs – for example a pack of 10 and a pack of 5. Each employee may then access from PC, notebook and tablet.

Documenting licences properly

Keep the invoice and licence documents together and note which licence is used on which server and how many users or devices access it. In an audit by the manufacturer or an auditor, you can then quickly prove that your database is correctly licensed. If the number of users changes, simply order more.

Requirements

• A server licence, for example SQL Server 2016 Standard
• One CAL of the same or a newer version for each user or device with access
• Where applicable, Windows Server CALs for access to the Windows Server itself

Delivery and proof

1. Add the proof of licence from our email and the invoice to your records.
2. SQL Server CALs are not technically activated – they are a usage right that you prove in an audit.
3. Document the number of licensed users or devices and keep it up to date when changes occur.

Frequently asked questions

Does the CAL apply to older SQL Server versions?

Yes, a CAL applies to its own and all older versions.

Do I need CALs with core licensing?

No. SQL Server with a core licence does not require CALs.

Can I buy more CALs later?

Yes, at any time in the quantity required.

Will I receive an invoice?

Yes, with VAT shown, with your company address on request.

Can you advise me on the right licensing?

Yes. Describe your environment (servers, cores, number of users) and we will recommend the right combination.

My software requires a specific SQL Server version – what should I do?

Before buying, check which version the vendor of your specialist application has approved. Feel free to write to us in advance – we will tell you which licence suits your environment.

Delivery, invoice and support

• Delivery by e-mail: you will usually receive proof of licence for the quantity purchased and an explanation of the licensing within 5 to 30 minutes of payment (daily 09:00–21:00 CET). More under Shipping & payment.
• Invoice: every order comes with a proper invoice, with your company address on request.
• Origin of the licence: we source our licences from distributors and wholesalers in Europe. We explain exactly how this works on the page Buying legal software.
• Support: if you have questions about installation or activation, we help by e-mail (Mon–Sun 09:00–21:00 CET), phone (Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00 CET), live chat or remote support with TeamViewer.

Our goodwill promise

If the SQL Server version you ordered is ever no longer available, we will supply the next higher version with the same licence scope at no extra charge. You never pay more than the price at which you ordered.