Microsoft Licensing Glossary


Microsoft Licensing Terminology for the Layman
(To purchase, visit Microsoft Open License Program)

Server License

 For licensing server systems and applications like Exchange Server or SQL Server, you are required to purchase a server license for each operating system environment as well as a CAL for each user or device that wants to access that program.

CALs

 CAL stands for Client Access License and provides the right to access a specific program. You will need a CAL for every user or device that wants to access that program. Many times you have the option of either User or Device CALs.

Choose user CALs if there are one or multiple devices per user
Example: a user has a laptop and handheld computer

Choose device CALs if there are multiple users per device
Example: a call center or an airport kiosk

Processor License

 For very large companies it may make sense to buy a processor license, which is available with some of the server products. A processor license includes access for an unlimited number of users to connect from either inside the local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) or outside the firewall. With a processor license, you do not need to purchase additional server licenses, CALs, or Internet Connector Licenses. Processor licenses are expensive, so you should weigh the estimated cost of the number of CALs and server licenses you would need vs. the cost of the processor license to see if the savings would benefit you.

External Connector

With some products you have the option of buying an External Connector. An External Connector grants access to the server by an unlimited number of external users such as business partners, suppliers, customers, retirees, and alumni.  Basically, an external user is a person who is not an employee or similar personnel of the company, such as a business partner or customer. With this license you do not need to buy individual CALs. It is licensed per server.

Software Assurance

 Software Assurance is Microsoft's maintenance program which gives you constant support as well as the right to new versions that come out during your term.
Read more on Software Assurance.

Media

 To obtain media, log onto and register at EOpen, where you can download the media for all Open Licenses that you have purchased. Or, purchase the media through eOpen for $25 if you'd like the actual CD/DVD. If you want more than one media, Additional Media is available, but at a higher price.

Open Volume Licensing Guide
Microsoft Open Business Guide
To purchase: Microsoft Open License Program