Buy SQL Server 2014 CAL – CALs for Older Environments

If you run SQL Server 2014 under the Server + CAL licensing model, you need a Client Access Licence for every user or device that accesses the SQL Server. The SQL Server 2014 CAL is the right access licence for existing SQL Server 2014 infrastructures – affordable, verified and backwards compatible with older SQL Server versions. At Lizenzindustrie you receive your CALs by email – verified and well below the official list price.

When do I need a SQL Server 2014 CAL?

SQL Server CALs are only required under the Server + CAL licensing model. The Core licensing model requires no CALs – an unlimited number of users may access the server. The SQL Server 2014 CAL is required if you license SQL Server 2014 under the Server + CAL model and users or devices access the database.

Existing SQL Server 2014 environments can continue to be licensed with valid CALs. For new projects, we recommend a current CAL version. Please also note: the SQL Server CAL does not replace the Windows Server CAL – anyone accessing the underlying Windows Server needs this as well. Server licences and editions can be found in the Microsoft SQL Server category.

User CAL or Device CAL – which is the right choice?

SQL Server 2014 CALs are available in two variants:

SQL Server 2014 User CAL – Assigned to a specific person. A user with a User CAL may access the SQL Server from any number of devices. User CALs are the right choice for organisations with mobile staff or users who access the database from several devices. If the number of people is lower than the number of devices used, User CALs are the more economical choice.

SQL Server 2014 Device CAL – Assigned to a specific device. A device with a Device CAL may be used by any number of users to access the SQL Server. Device CALs are the right choice for shift workstations, shared terminals and production environments. If the number of devices is lower than the number of people accessing the server, Device CALs are the more economical choice.

SQL Server 2014 CAL – compatibility with other SQL Server versions

• ✔ SQL Server 2014
• ✔ SQL Server 2012 and older versions
• ✗ SQL Server 2016 – this requires a SQL Server 2016 CAL or newer
• ✗ SQL Server 2017 – this requires a SQL Server 2017 CAL or newer
• ✗ SQL Server 2019 – this requires a SQL Server 2019 CAL or newer
• ✗ SQL Server 2022 – this requires a SQL Server 2022 CAL or newer
• ✗ SQL Server 2025 – this requires a SQL Server 2025 CAL

Our recommendation: future-proof with a newer CAL version

As newer SQL Server CALs are also valid for older versions, it is worth considering more recent CAL versions even for existing SQL Server 2014 infrastructures:

• SQL Server 2019 CAL – Also valid for SQL Server 2014. An affordable, future-proof option up to and including SQL Server 2019.
• SQL Server 2022 CAL – Also valid for SQL Server 2014. The best choice for organisations planning to migrate to SQL Server 2022 in the long term.

How buying from Lizenzindustrie works

Buying SQL Server 2014 CALs from Lizenzindustrie could not be simpler. Choose the CAL variant, set the quantity, add to your basket and complete your purchase – you will receive your licence documents by email, usually within 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00). No physical shipping.

• ✔ Delivery by email – licence documents usually 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00)
• ✔ Verified licences – with proof for your licence records
• ✔ Low prices – well below the former list price
• ✔ User & Device CAL – both variants available
• ✔ Backwards compatible – also grants access to older SQL Server versions
• ✔ Traceable origin – licences from distributors and wholesalers in Europe
• ✔ Fast support – we help you quickly with licensing questions

Questions about the right CAL version or variant? Contact our support team – we will advise you directly and free of charge.

Frequently asked questions about the SQL Server 2014 CAL

Do I need SQL Server CALs under the Core licensing model?

No. SQL Server CALs are only required under the Server + CAL model. No CALs are needed under the Core model.

Can I also use SQL Server 2014 CALs for SQL Server 2012?

Yes. SQL Server 2014 CALs are backwards compatible and grant access to SQL Server 2012 and all older versions.

Does the SQL Server 2014 CAL also grant access to SQL Server 2016?

No. Access to SQL Server 2016 or newer versions requires a correspondingly newer CAL. As newer CALs are also valid for older servers, we recommend buying a newer CAL version straight away for a future-proof investment.

What is the difference between a User CAL and a Device CAL?

A User CAL is assigned to one person and allows them to access the server from any number of devices. A Device CAL is assigned to one device and allows any number of people to access the server from it. User CALs are suited to mobile workers, Device CALs to shared workstations and shift systems.

How quickly will I receive my CALs – and do I need to activate them?

Your licence documents arrive by email, usually within 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00). SQL Server CALs do not require technical activation – they serve as proof of licensing should Microsoft or an auditor check your licensing.