Buy SQL Server CALs – Access Licences for Microsoft SQL Server
SQL Server CALs (Client Access Licences) are access licences required when users or devices access a Microsoft SQL Server database. In many corporate environments, they form an important part of SQL Server licensing and enable legally compliant access to databases and applications.
Whilst the SQL Server licence itself permits the installation and operation of the database server, SQL Server CALs govern access to this database by users or devices. Organisations using the so-called Server/CAL licensing model therefore require the relevant access licences in addition to the server licence.
SQL Server CALs are typically used in IT infrastructures where multiple users access a central database – for example, in enterprise applications, ERP systems or business intelligence solutions.
Typical areas of application for SQL Server CALs include, for example:
- Access to central corporate databases
- Use of ERP or CRM systems
- Access to business intelligence and reporting applications
- Database access via enterprise software
- Multi-user access to internal applications
Thanks to the flexible licensing model, organisations can tailor their SQL Server infrastructure perfectly to the size of their organisation.
What is a SQL Server CAL?
Definition of the SQL Server Client Access Licence
A SQL Server CAL (Client Access Licence) is an access licence that allows users or devices to access a Microsoft SQL Server database. It is not a piece of software, but rather a licence authorisation to access the database services of a SQL Server.
Organisations require these access licences when multiple users or devices need to access a database that is licensed via the server/CAL licensing model.
Difference between a SQL Server licence and a SQL Server CAL
When using SQL Server, a distinction must be made between two different types of licence.
SQL Server licence
This licence is required for the database server itself and permits the installation and operation of the SQL Server software.
SQL Server CAL
This access licence is required for users or devices that access the database.
Only the combination of a server licence and the corresponding access licences enables a fully licensed SQL Server environment.
SQL Server licensing models
Microsoft offers two different licensing models for SQL Server.
Server/CAL licensing model
With the Server/CAL model, an SQL Server licence for the database server is required first. In addition, access licences are required for all users or devices that access the database.
This licensing model is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized business environments with a manageable number of users.
Core-based licensing
Alternatively, SQL Server can also be operated using core-based licensing. In this case, the server is licensed based on the number of processor cores it contains.
In this case, no additional CALs are required, as access to the database is already covered by the core licences.
When the server/CAL model is appropriate
The server/CAL model is often a good choice when only a limited number of users or devices access the database. This enables organisations to licence their SQL Server environment cost-effectively.
Types of SQL Server CALs
Microsoft offers two different types of SQL Server access licences.
SQL Server User CAL
A User CAL is assigned to a specific user. This user may access the SQL Server from multiple devices.
This option is particularly suitable for modern working environments where staff use a variety of devices such as desktop PCs, laptops or mobile devices.
SQL Server Device CAL
A Device CAL is assigned to a specific device. Any user who uses this device is permitted to access the SQL Server database via it.
This type of licence is frequently used in environments where several employees share the same computer, for example in manufacturing facilities or in shift-based operations.
Which SQL Server CAL is the right one?
The most suitable licence type depends on the structure of the IT environment. Companies with many mobile staff often opt for User CALs, whilst organisations with shared devices frequently use Device CALs.
SQL Server CAL versions
SQL Server CALs are version-specific and must always match the version of SQL Server being used. Different CAL versions are used for different server generations:
- SQL Server 2019 CAL – These access licences are used in IT environments based on SQL Server 2019.
- SQL Server 2022 CAL – These CALs are frequently used in modern database infrastructures built on SQL Server 2022.
- SQL Server 2025 CAL – These access licences belong to the current generation of the SQL Server platform.
As a general rule, newer versions of CALs can usually also be used for older versions of SQL Server, whilst older CALs are not valid for newer server versions.
When do I need SQL Server CALs?
SQL Server CALs are required whenever users or devices access an SQL Server database and the server is licensed under the server/CAL model.
Typical scenarios include, for example:
- Access to central corporate databases
- Use of ERP or CRM systems
- Access to business intelligence systems
- Use of database-driven business applications
A corresponding CAL is required for every user or device that accesses the database.
Difference between SQL Server CALs and Windows Server CALs
SQL Server CALs are often confused with Windows Server CALs, but they serve different purposes.
Windows Server CAL
This access licence allows users or devices to access services on a Windows Server, such as Active Directory or file shares.
SQL Server licence
:
This licence permits access to a SQL Server database.
In many IT infrastructures, therefore, both Windows Server CALs and SQL Server CALs are required.
Buy SQL Server CAL licences from LizenzDeals24
At LizenzDeals24, businesses can obtain genuine Microsoft SQL Server CAL licences for various SQL Server versions. Our offering is aimed in particular at businesses, IT service providers and organisations wishing to licence their database environment in a legally compliant manner.
We offer both SQL Server User CALs and SQL Server Device CALs for various versions of SQL Server. This enables businesses to tailor their access licences optimally to the requirements of their IT infrastructure.
As a specialist provider of business software, we support our customers not only with licence procurement, but also with any queries regarding licensing, installation and activation.
Your benefits with LizenzDeals24:
- verified and genuine Microsoft access licences
- fast digital delivery by email
- Transparent licensing models for businesses
- technical support for licensing enquiries
If you’re unsure which SQL Server CAL variant is suitable for your environment, we’d be happy to advise you on selecting the right access licences for your database infrastructure.
