There is a safe in the office where I work. Inside it, among valuables like petty cash and sensitive documents, are our CAL’s from Microsoft. We had to buy them when we upgraded the Windows Small Business 2008 Server.
What is a Client Access License?
“A CAL is not a software product; rather, it is a license that gives a user the right to access the services of the server.” – Definition from Microsoft
A CAL is a piece of paper you are legally required to have purchased for each individual user which will be connected to your Windows Domain at one time. They came in brown envelopes and are size A4.
When we upgraded in early 2011 they cost us £60 each. 5 came “free” with SBS and the rest we bought from a Microsoft reseller. Currently $168 for a pack of 5 on Amazon.
There is a second kind of license, Device Client Access License. This is so that if you have more computers than people then you save by getting CAL’s otherwise if there are more people than computers its cheaper to use DCAL’s.
Paradigm shift
Our most recent upgrade was the first time we were required to purchase licenses in this way. It marks a paradigm shift; the software, even though it has a financial cost, has no value. The value (for Microsoft) is in licensing on a per user or device basis. Whats messed up is that both Small Business Server and the Licenses cost money despite one being totally worthless.
This came as a surprise. For the previous version this was not required and there were no extra costs. But thats tough luck for anyone dependent on propitiatory tech.
Even better the latest version of SBS comes with a “Vista Home Premium” style Essentials edition which only supports 25 clients but doesn’t require CAL’s. Thats pretty dumb because as soon as you’re business grows above 25 then you need an upgrade and at least 20 CAL’S to go with it.
Proprietary Madness
By purchasing SBS 2008 we got Windows Server, Exchange (office file sharing and email) and 5 CAL’s. We purchased more packs of CALS so now 30 computers can join the domain. Legally that is, technically nothing stops you.
The majority of companies are dependent on Microsoft products. So are all our schools (in the UK) and government.. but why?! The most common reason I’ve heard when debating/arguing a switch is that “its the industry standard” or you get technical support with Windows and any employee we hire will know how to use it.
Alternative Operating Systems
Windows is not the only OS and it is not the most fit for purpose. Seriously, if you are willing to buy software and licenses for each user/device every 4-5 years, just so your company can share files and use email, then good luck to you.
I recommend the Ubuntu distribution of Linux.
More info:
http://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/633184-cals-wtf/
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/about-licensing/client-access-license.aspx
http://blog.montopolis.com/2008/03/05/microsoft-windows-server-user-cal-versus-device-cal/
http://www.eweekeurope.co.uk/news/government-cost-cutting-strategy-embraces-open-source-25311
The thoughts and code of Alex.
Ubuntu forum