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What is client access license for SQL Server?

what-is-client-access-license-for-sql-server

Client computers can use server software services with the help of a client access license (CAL), a type of commercial software licensing.

However, some server solutions can be licensed so that payment is necessary for each device or user that accesses the service offered by the software.

Most commercial desktop apps are licensed so money is required for each installation. For instance, 10 different users can access a Windows Server 2016 instance if ten User CALs are purchased for it.

What is client access license for SQL Server?

A Client Access License (CAL) is a license that allows Users or Devices access to SQL Server software rather than being a specific kind of program.

If you buy SQL Server licenses per core (Standard Core / Enterprise Core), you won’t need to buy any extra licenses because SQL CALs are only necessary for the SQL license + CAL model.

Businesses that have a limited number of users or devices and want to keep licensing costs low can benefit from the license + CAL approach. It could be wise to think about licensing SQL per core if you are unable to determine how many users or devices you will have.