Buy Server & CAL Licences – Windows Server, SQL, Exchange & RDS

Professional IT infrastructures need reliable, properly licensed server software. Whether Windows Server as the operating system foundation, SQL Server for databases, Exchange Server for email infrastructure or Remote Desktop Services CALs for remote access – at Lizenzindustrie you get all the important Microsoft server licences and Client Access Licences as verified licences, by email and at a price noticeably below the manufacturer's recommended price.

What are server licences and CALs?

Microsoft's licensing model for server software is based on two fundamental concepts which, together, make up the complete licensing of a server environment.

The server licence entitles you to run the server software itself – that is, to install and run Windows Server, SQL Server or Exchange Server on a physical or virtual server. Without a valid server licence, the software may not be operated.

The Client Access License (CAL) entitles a specific user or a specific device to access the licensed server. In Microsoft's licensing model, a server licence alone is not enough – each user or device accessing the server additionally requires a CAL. This applies to Windows Server, Exchange Server and Remote Desktop Services. SQL Server, on the other hand, is licensed under a different model and in many cases does not require separate CALs.

This sounds complex at first – but in practice it is logical. If you have five employees accessing a Windows server, you need one Windows Server licence (based on the server's processor cores) plus five Windows Server CALs.

All server categories at a glance

• Windows Server – The operating system foundation of every Microsoft-based server infrastructure. Windows Server offers Active Directory for central user management, Hyper-V for virtualisation, file and print server services, IIS for web hosting and many other server services. Available from Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2025 in Standard and Datacenter editions.
• Windows Server CAL – Client Access Licences for accessing Windows Server services. Each user or device that accesses a Windows Server needs a Windows Server CAL. Available as User CAL and Device CAL, matching all current Windows Server versions.
• Microsoft SQL Server – Microsoft's proven relational database management system – the backbone of countless business applications, ERP systems and web applications. SQL Server is licensed under the Server + CAL model or the Core model. Available from SQL Server 2012 to SQL Server 2025 in various editions.
• SQL Server CAL – Client Access Licences for the SQL Server Server + CAL licensing model. For environments where the number of users is known and manageable, the Server + CAL model is often more economical than the Core model.
• Exchange Server – Microsoft's email server platform for businesses that run their own email infrastructure. Exchange Server provides email, calendars, contacts and tasks in a fully manageable on-premises solution. Available from Exchange Server 2010 to Exchange Server 2019 – for new installations we recommend Exchange Server 2019.
• Exchange Server CAL – Client Access Licences for accessing Exchange Server services. Standard CALs for basic email functions, Enterprise CALs (in addition to the Standard CAL) for advanced functions such as archiving and compliance.
• Remote Desktop Services CAL – RDS CALs enable licensed remote access to Windows servers via Remote Desktop Services – for remote workstations, thin-client environments and centralised application delivery. Available as User CAL and Device CAL for all current Windows Server versions.
• SharePoint Server & SharePoint Server CAL – The intranet and document management platform for running in-house, licensed under the Server + CAL model.
• Windows Server downgrade rights / media kit – Installation media for older server versions that you use via the downgrade rights of a newer licence.

User CAL or Device CAL – what is the difference?

With Windows Server CALs, Exchange Server CALs and RDS CALs, you can choose between User CALs and Device CALs. The decision depends on how they are used in your business.

User CALs are tied to a specific person. A user with a User CAL may access the server from any number of devices – from desktop PC and laptop to home computer. User CALs are the better choice if employees access the server from several devices or work from home.

Device CALs are tied to a specific device. A device with a Device CAL may be used by any number of users to access the server. Device CALs are the better choice if several users share the same device – for example at shift workstations or shared terminals.

As a rule of thumb: more devices than users → User CALs. More users than devices → Device CALs. If in doubt, we are happy to help – just get in touch.

Why buy server licences from Lizenzindustrie?

• ✔ Microsoft server products from a single source – Windows Server, SQL Server, Exchange Server, RDS CALs and more
• ✔ Delivery by email – licence key usually 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00)
• ✔ Significantly cheaper than the official Microsoft list price
• ✔ Verified licences – reliably activated via official Microsoft servers
• ✔ For businesses of all sizes – single and volume licences available
• ✔ Traceable origin – licences from distributors and wholesalers in Europe
• ✔ Expert support – we help you quickly with licensing questions

Do you have questions about the right licensing strategy for your server infrastructure? Contact us – we will advise you free of charge and help you find the most economical solution for your requirements.

Frequently asked questions about server licences & CALs

Do I need a CAL for every user?

Yes, in Microsoft's licensing model for Windows Server, Exchange Server and Remote Desktop Services, every user or device that accesses the server needs a corresponding CAL – in addition to the server licence. Exceptions apply, for example, to anonymous, unauthenticated internet access to public web servers. We are happy to help with any questions about correct licensing.

What is the difference between the Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server?

Windows Server Standard allows up to two virtual machines to be run when all cores are fully licensed. With Datacenter you may run any number of VMs on the fully licensed host. For heavily virtualised environments, Datacenter is more economical in the long term; for environments with few VMs, Standard is the cheaper choice.

Does the CAL version have to match the server version?

No, not necessarily. CALs are backward compatible – newer CALs may be used to access older server versions. A Windows Server 2022 CAL therefore also entitles you to access Windows Server 2019 or 2016. Conversely, however, older CALs may not be used for newer server versions.

How quickly will I receive my licence keys?

The licence keys or licence confirmations are delivered by email once your payment has been received. You activate server products via the official Microsoft servers; CALs are verified – depending on the product – via the licence server or your licence documentation.