Exchange Server 2019 CAL — A Complete Guide to All 4 Types of Licences
If you are using a local Microsoft Exchange Server 2019, the server licence alone is not sufficient. Microsoft requires the appropriate access licences, CAL. At KluczeSoft.pl, 4 variants are available:
- Exchange Server 2019 Standard — 1 User CAL
- Exchange Server 2019 Standard — 1 Device CAL
- Exchange Server 2019 Enterprise — 1 User CAL
- Exchange Server 2019 Enterprise — 1 Device CAL
CAL licences are not installation programmes. You do not receive an installer, product key, or activation. CAL is a licence right — a document confirming the legality of access to the Exchange server.
What is a CAL licence?
CAL = Client Access Licence = the right to use the server services by a user or device.
- Server licence covers the Exchange Server software
- CAL licences cover individuals or devices using the server
Each user or device accessing Exchange should have the appropriate CAL.
- CAL is not a product key
- CAL is not software
- CAL does not require installation or activation
- CAL is a licence document / proof of purchase
User CAL vs Device CAL
User CAL
Assigned to a specific person. The user can access Exchange from any number of devices (laptop, phone, tablet, home computer).
Best when: one employee uses multiple devices.
Device CAL
Assigned to a specific device. Multiple users can access Exchange from one device.
Best when: multiple people use one terminal (reception, kiosk, production hall).
Selection Rule
- User CAL → one person, multiple devices
- Device CAL → one device, multiple users
Standard CAL vs Enterprise CAL
Standard CAL
Basic Exchange features:
- email, calendar, contacts, tasks
- standard user collaboration
Sufficient for many companies.
Enterprise CAL
Advanced features (addition to Standard):
- DLP (Data Loss Prevention)
- In-place hold
- Per-mailbox journaling
- Information protection
- Compliance features
Enterprise CAL does NOT replace Standard CAL. You need both: Standard CAL + Enterprise CAL.
How to Choose the Right Licence?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Employee with laptop and phone | Standard User CAL |
| Shared terminal at reception | Standard Device CAL |
| Legal department needs DLP and hold | Standard User CAL + Enterprise User CAL |
| Kiosk with compliance | Standard Device CAL + Enterprise Device CAL |
| Only basic email | Standard CAL |
Example Calculation
10-person company (basic email)
- 10 × Standard User CAL
25-person company (mixed)
- 20 office workers → 20 × Standard User CAL
- 2 shared workstations → 2 × Standard Device CAL
50-person company with compliance
- 50 × Standard CAL (for everyone)
- 10 × Enterprise CAL (for the legal/financial department)
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at [email protected] or call 00 800 121 1654.
How to count the required licenses?
PowerShell — check the number of mailboxes
Get-Mailbox -ResultSize Unlimited | Measure-Object
Get-Mailbox | Group-Object -Property Database | Select-Object Name, Count
The number of mailboxes does not always equal the number of CALs. The key factors are:
- how many users actually access
- from how many devices access is made
- who needs Standard and who also needs Enterprise
What do you get from KluczeSoft?
- License document / confirmation
- Proof of purchase for compliance and audit purposes
- Email delivery
- No physical media and product key
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAL a product key?
No. It's a license document confirming access rights.
Do I need to install CAL?
No. No installation, activation, or product key is required. It's a legal entitlement.
Can I mix User and Device CAL?
Yes. Microsoft allows a mixed model.
Does Enterprise CAL replace Standard?
No. Enterprise CAL is an add-on. You need Standard CAL + Enterprise CAL.
Can I transfer a CAL license?
Transfer to another user/device is possible after a minimum of 90 days.
Do I need CAL for Exchange Online?
No. For Exchange Online / Microsoft 365, access rights are derived from the subscription.
Comparison of 4 CAL licenses
| Product | For whom | Scope | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard — 1 User CAL | 1 user, multiple devices | Basic | from approx. 49 zł |
| Standard — 1 Device CAL | 1 device, multiple users | Basic | from approx. 49 zł |
| Enterprise — 1 User CAL | 1 user, multiple devices | Advanced (+ Standard!) | from approx. 149 zł |
| Enterprise — 1 Device CAL | 1 device, multiple users | Advanced (+ Standard!) | from approx. 149 zł |
Summary
- User CAL → one person, multiple devices
- Device CAL → one device, multiple users
- Standard → basic features
- Enterprise → advanced (add-on to Standard!)
- CAL ≠ key ≠ installation → it's a license document
Support: 00 800 121 1654
Also, check: Exchange Server 2019 Standard, Exchange Server 2016 Standard at KluczeSoft.pl. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Where to buy the original key
Need a legal key? Check the offers at kluczesoft.pl:
All keys are brand new, delivered electronically with a VAT invoice.