Contents
What is a Client Access License (CAL)? Mechanism of Software Usage Permission
A Client Access License (CAL) is a type of software license that grants users or devices the authorization to access or use a specific server, service, or application. CALs are commonly used in server-based environments, where multiple users or devices need to connect to and utilize specific software resources.
CALs provide legal permission and enable organizations to regulate the access and usage of software to maintain compliance and ensure proper management of resources. By implementing CALs, businesses can control and monitor the number of users or devices accessing the software, ensuring that they are adequately licensed.
CALs can be categorized into two main types: User CALs and Device CALs.
User CALs:
A User CAL, or User Client Access License, grants permission to a specific user to access and use the software on any device. With a User CAL, the licensed user can utilize the software from multiple devices such as their desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet device. This type of CAL is particularly beneficial for organizations where employees use multiple devices to connect to the server or application.
Device CALs:
On the other hand, a Device CAL, or Device Client Access License, provides usage rights for a specific device to access and use the software. With a Device CAL, any user can access the software from the licensed device. This type of CAL is suitable for scenarios where multiple users share a device, like in a call center or a shared workstation environment.
It’s worth noting that CALs are required in addition to the server software itself. The server software typically comes with a certain number of CALs bundled, but organizations need to purchase additional CALs to cover the number of users or devices accessing the software beyond the initial bundled licenses.
CALs can be acquired either as a one-time purchase or through subscription models, depending on the vendor and licensing agreement. Organizations should carefully evaluate their requirements and choose the appropriate licensing model to ensure compliance and optimize their software usage.
In conclusion, a Client Access License (CAL) is a mechanism that provides permission for users or devices to access and utilize specific server-based software. By using CALs, organizations can control and manage the access to their software resources, ensuring compliance and efficient resource allocation.
Reference Articles
Read also
[Google Chrome] The definitive solution for right-click translations that no longer come up.