What are SQL Server CAL licenses?
SQL Server CAL licenses are not a program and not an installation key. CAL = access right to the SQL Server in the Server + CAL licensing model.
- CAL is not software
- CAL does not contain a product key
- CAL is a license document
Available on KluczeSoft.pl:
- SQL Server 2019 Standard 50 User CAL
- SQL Server 2022 Standard 50 User CAL
- SQL Server 2022 Standard 50 Device CAL
If you use the Per Core model, CALs are not required.
SQL Server licensing models
Server + CAL
You need:
- a SQL Server server license
- a CAL for each user or device
More cost-effective in smaller environments with a predictable number of users.
Per Core
Licensing based on physical processor cores (minimum 4-core packs). CALs are not required. Better for large environments, web applications, multiplexing.
User CAL vs Device CAL
User CAL
Assigned to a person — access from any number of devices. Best when: one employee uses multiple devices.
Device CAL
Assigned to a device — multiple users from one device. Best when: workstations are shared, terminals, kiosks.
Rule
- User CAL → one person, multiple devices
- Device CAL → one device, multiple users
You can combine both types in one environment.
SQL Server 2019 vs 2022
SQL Server 2019 Standard
- Mainstream support: February 2025 (ended)
- Extended support: January 2030
- Stable, widely deployed version
SQL Server 2022 Standard
- Mainstream support: January 2028
- Extended support: January 2033
- Newer generation, better for new deployments
How to count CALs?
User CAL
Count unique users with access to SQL Server — direct and indirect.
Device CAL
Count unique devices connecting to SQL Server.
Indirect access
If a user uses a web application, ERP, CRM, reporting portal — and these systems connect to SQL Server — a CAL may still be required.
T-SQL — check active sessions
SELECT COUNT(*)
FROM sys.dm_exec_sessions
WHERE is_user_process = 1;
This is an operational hint — licensing should cover all authorized, not just active.
50 CAL packs
Products sold as 50 license packs:
| Product | Version | Type |
|---|---|---|
| SQL Server 2019 Standard 50 User CAL | 2019 | User |
| SQL Server 2022 Standard 50 User CAL | 2022 | User |
| SQL Server 2022 Standard 50 Device CAL | 2022 | Device |
Conversion: 50 users = 1 pack, 100 = 2, 150 = 3.
What do you get from KluczeSoft?
- License documentation via email
- Compliance confirmation for audit purposes
- No physical media and product key
Frequently asked questions
Is CAL a product key?
No. It's a license document.
Do I need CAL with Per Core?
No. Per Core does not require CAL.
Can I mix User and Device CALs?
Yes.
Does CAL 2019 work with SQL 2022?
Depends on downgrade rights. Contact us before purchasing.
Do I need CAL for Azure SQL?
No. Azure SQL uses a service-based model.
Is CAL enough for a legal SQL Server?
No. Besides CAL, you also need a SQL Server server license.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or call us at 00 800 121 1654.
Which product to choose?
- SQL Server 2019 Standard 50 User CAL — you maintain a 2019 environment, you need user permissions
- SQL Server 2022 Standard 50 User CAL — new 2022 deployment, licenses for individuals
- SQL Server 2022 Standard 50 Device CAL — new 2022 deployment, shared workstations
Summary
SQL Server CAL = legal right of access in the Server + CAL model.
- User CAL → one person, multiple devices
- Device CAL → one device, multiple users
- 50 CAL packages for economical licensing
- Per Core = no need for CAL
Support: 00 800 121 1654
Also check: SQL Server 2022 Standard, SQL Server 2019 Standard at KluczeSoft.pl. You can also contact us at [email protected] for more information.