A Client Access License (CAL) is an access license required when access to certain server software must be licensed separately. This applies to products such as Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, or Windows Server.
CALs are generally assigned to either a user or a device.
User CAL
A User CAL allows a single user to access the server software from any number of devices. This includes company PCs, personal computers, smartphones, or tablets.
This license type is particularly suitable when employees use multiple devices or additionally use personal devices to access company resources.
Device CAL
A Device CAL is assigned to a specific device and allows multiple users to use that device to access the server software.
This license type is especially useful in work environments where multiple people share the same workstation or hardware – for example, at reception desks, in shift work, or in PC pools.
Which CAL is the right choice?
- User CAL → when one person uses multiple devices
- Device CAL → when multiple people use the same device
Choosing the right type of license can help plan licensing costs efficiently and reduce administrative effort.