Business Software and Server Licensing

Server, user or core: what the license counts

Business licenses count different things. A server license covers the machine running the software, a client access license, or CAL, lets each user or device connect to it, and core packs cover processor cores, often sold in packs of two. Quantity bands such as 2 to 25 users or 5 to 10 licenses must include your headcount. Begin with business application licenses for server and desktop software and endpoint and network security licenses for protection.

Upgrade paths, editions and who qualifies for them

End user type matters: charity and academic editions are offered to qualifying organizations only, commercial editions to everyone else, and the listing's label should match yours. An upgrade license needs an existing qualifying license, such as Home to Pro, while LTSC editions get long-term servicing without feature updates. Extended Security Updates extend support for an older operating system for a fixed period. Standard and Enterprise editions, or high-availability variants, differ in features, so confirm the edition before you count licenses.

Questions about Business Software and Server Licensing

What is a CAL?

A client access license permits a user or a device to connect to a server product, separate from the server license itself. Check whether the software needs user CALs, device CALs or both for your setup.

Can I use an academic or charity license in a company?

No. Those editions are offered to qualifying schools, charities or similar organizations, and using them elsewhere breaks the terms. Choose the commercial edition if the license will cover a for-profit business.

What does a core license pack cover?

It covers a stated number of processor cores on a server, such as 2 cores per pack. You need enough packs to license every core, subject to the minimum core count the vendor sets for the server.