Buy SQL Server 2022 CAL – User & Device CAL Licences

The SQL Server 2022 CAL is a popular client access licence from our SQL Server CAL section – and for good reason. It suits many current business environments: valid for SQL Server 2022, backwards compatible with older versions and offering a balanced price-performance ratio. If you run SQL Server 2022 under the Server+CAL model, the SQL Server 2022 CAL is the right choice. At Lizenzindustrie you receive your CALs by email – verified and at a price well below the official list price.

When do I need a SQL Server 2022 CAL?

SQL Server CALs are only required under the Server+CAL licensing model. Under the Core licensing model, no CALs are required – an unlimited number of users may access the server. The SQL Server 2022 CAL is required if you license SQL Server 2022 under the Server+CAL model and users or devices access the database.

The Server+CAL model makes economic sense when the number of users is small and manageable. For example, if you have 15 employees who all access a SQL Server 2022 database, you need one server licence and 15 CALs – in many cases cheaper than Core licences for all the physical cores of the server. If you are unsure which option is more economical, we are happy to help – simply get in touch.

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

SQL Server 2022 CALs are available in two variants:

SQL Server 2022 User CAL – Assigned to a specific person. A user with a User CAL may access SQL Server from any number of devices – from the desktop PC in the office and the laptop in the home office to the tablet on the move. User CALs are the right choice for businesses with mobile staff, home office workstations 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 2022 Device CAL – Assigned to a specific device. A device with a Device CAL may be used by any number of users to access 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 2022 CAL – compatibility with other SQL Server versions

The SQL Server 2022 CAL is fully backwards compatible and entitles you to access:

✔ SQL Server 2022
✔ SQL Server 2019
✔ SQL Server 2017
✔ SQL Server 2016 and older versions
✗ SQL Server 2025 – this requires a SQL Server 2025 CAL

For businesses currently running SQL Server 2019 that intend to migrate to SQL Server 2022 in the foreseeable future, buying SQL Server 2022 CALs is the more future-proof decision compared with a SQL Server 2019 CAL.

SQL Server 2022 CAL or SQL Server 2025 CAL – which is better?

If you currently run SQL Server 2022 and are not planning to migrate to SQL Server 2025 in the next few years, the SQL Server 2022 CAL is the more economical choice – at a lower price and entirely sufficient for your current infrastructure.

If, on the other hand, you already run SQL Server 2025 or have specific plans to migrate in the foreseeable future, we recommend going straight for the SQL Server 2025 CAL – more future-proof and the better investment in the long term.

How buying from Lizenzindustrie works

You can order SQL Server 2022 CALs from Lizenzindustrie in just a few steps. Select the CAL variant, choose the quantity, add to the basket, complete your purchase – you will receive your licence keys by email, usually within 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00). No physical shipping.

✔ Delivery by email – licence key usually 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00)
✔ Verified licences – can be activated via the official Microsoft servers
✔ Considerably cheaper than the official Microsoft list price
✔ User & Device CAL – both variants available
✔ Backwards compatible – also entitles you to access older SQL Server versions
✔ Traceable origin – licences from distributors and wholesalers in Europe
✔ Fast support – we help you quickly with licensing questions

Remember the access licences for the operating system too: every user additionally needs a Windows Server 2022 CAL or newer. Not sure which CAL variant or how many CALs you need? Our Support and Service team will advise you free of charge.

Frequently asked questions about SQL Server 2022 CAL

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

No. SQL Server CALs are only required under the Server+CAL model. Under the Core model, no CALs are required – an unlimited number of users may access SQL Server.

Can I also use SQL Server 2022 CALs for SQL Server 2019?

Yes. SQL Server 2022 CALs are fully backwards compatible and entitle you to access SQL Server 2019 and all older versions.

Does the SQL Server 2022 CAL also entitle me to access SQL Server 2025?

No. Access to SQL Server 2025 requires a SQL Server 2025 CAL.

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

A User CAL is assigned to a person and allows them to access the server from any number of devices. A Device CAL is assigned to a device and allows any number of people to access the server via that device.