User CAL / Device CAL

[Avathar77]

When purchasing server software like SBS 2011 standard, is it necessary to buy the User/Device CALs as well?

 

[bremen1874]

You get five CALs with the server license. If you have more than five users/devices then you'll need to buy additional CALs.

 

[Avathar77]

thanks!
having more devices/users than CALs would be a no no then?

 

[bremen1874]

thanks!
having more devices/users than CALs would be a no no then?

It’s certainly frowned upon. It’s a relatively small cost compared to everything else (about £50 a seat).

 

[Avathar77]

Its just that I know of a certain place with more users and PCs than CALs
Isn't there a process for Microsoft to identify these kind of things?
Surely number of CALs activated can be detected and number of users/PCs connected to a server can be also detected by Microsoft!

 

[kefkef]

Microsoft can come in and do a 'trueing' up exercise, not sure how legal it would be for them to gain entry if you just refused, but pretty sure they could get in somehow. A lot of NHS trusts are going through this since the end of their uk EWA, some trust are getting bios in the hundreds of thousands..............

 

[bremen1874]

For the most part CALs are just a paperwork exercise.

 

[Avathar77]

hmm reading about true up, it seems like it is only for "Customers enrolled in a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement"
I guess every one enrolls on a EA automatically when installing a server product!

 

[kefkef]

There's loads of MS software agreements depending on what and how you buy! For just server with CALs I wouldn't expect any big issue, but when you start buying multiples of anything a select or EWA can become a cheaper option. I've got a whole day put aside in a few weeks to learn about the new SQL licencing model....... Oh joy!........

 

[Skidilliplop]

All software licensing is important. IT is such a big part of business now the software estate of an enterprise can make up a large chunk of it's value as a company. Lots of people get very ****ed off if they find out you're worth more than you say you are. Under licensing on software is effectively that, the bankroll shows you bought £1m of software licenses, you are actually using £1.3m of actual software because you didn't keep ontop of licensing. Can have serious implications when KPMG start snooping about your books.

 

[Yamahahahahaha]

I've got a whole day put aside in a few weeks to learn about the new SQL licencing model....... Oh joy!........

Could you put a digest post on here afterwards?
I'm sure a few of us would find it useful

 

[Avathar77]

So where is the best place to get the CALs?
Hope it is not against rules!

 

[Liquidfox]

Google shopping will bring up a few places. Can't name any of them here as they'd be competitors.

 

[Avathar77]

ok thanks will have a look now.
I did call OCUK sales just now but as it happens their business team is closed now!