Introduction to Client Access License

FlexNet Manager Suite 2020 R1 (On-Premises)

A Client Access License (CAL) is a software license that is required to access the services of certain server products like Microsoft Exchange Server or Microsoft SharePoint Server. A CAL is required for each accessing user or device that accesses the server product unless a processor-based or core-based license is procured for the accessed server application, or an External Connector License is procured to cover the external users' access to the server applications. A CAL provides the access rights to physical, virtual, and (sometimes) online services. Most of the Microsoft server products, including Windows Server, SQL Server, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, and Microsoft Skype for Business Server (previously Microsoft Lync Server) require a CAL for each accessing user or device. With detailed information about CALs and CAL management, this chapter may help you in managing CALs through FlexNet Manager Suite.