Member Avatar for jlego

I am planning on upgrading server 03 with exchange 03 to exchange 07 and server 08 software.

i have never done so before, so i have a few questions.

i did not set up the current exchange server, so i have no idea what package was purchased.

i know that i can connect computers and add new users whenever i want without purchasing a user cal or device cal.

after talking to microsoft and some other resalers they are telling me i need 75 device cals for the server and 75 user cals for the exchange server

gets kind of pricey.

do i need both sets of cals ? or can i just use the device cals ? or do i really need to purchase this many cals to begin with

cals are stupid if you ask me. i dont understand them.

any feedback would be appreciated.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by solomonski

Dani AI

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As notes, the licensing side of an Exchange/Windows Server migration is often the part that causes the most sticker shock. The core points to understand are simple and will let planning move from "guesswork" to a checklist you can act on.

Windows Server CALs vs Exchange CALs

  • Windows Server CALs are the entitlement to use Windows Server services (file/print/AD, etc.). Exchange CALs are a separate entitlement to use Exchange mailbox features. Both are legal entitlements you must have for each user or device that accesses those services.
  • You can license by User or by Device. Pick the model that matches real use: if users roam and use many devices, User CALs usually make more sense; if many people share a few workstations, Device CALs are cheaper. Mixing both models in one organization is allowed.

How to proceed right now

  • Inventory: count users, shared workstations, and mobile/remote access patterns. This drives the User-vs-Device decision.
  • Audit current licensing: find purchase records, check any Volume Licensing account, ask your reseller or Microsoft partner. The installed server will show product edition, but not how many CALs you already own.
  • Decide Exchange feature needs: Exchange CALs come in Standard and an add-on level for advanced features. Only buy the add-on if you will actually use those features.

Cost and alternatives

  • Bundles aimed at small businesses can simplify licensing (as suggested). Another route is hosted/managed Exchange (mailboxes licensed per user) to avoid buying many on-prem CALs.
  • Get a written quote from a Microsoft licensing specialist or authorized reseller. They can show cost differences between User vs Device CALs, mixing options, and whether Software Assurance or a bundle makes financial sense.

Quick checklist: inventory users/devices, confirm current entitlements, choose User vs Device, decide on Exchange Standard vs add-on, then get a firm quote before buying. This gives a defensible, cost-effective path through the upgrade.

Member Avatar for solomonski

Completely understand your comments about the cals. I was in the same predictament some months back and after much debate decided to go down the route of an SBS 2008 server, the cals are for both users and exchange so from what your saying that would cut the cost conciderably. Hope this is of some help

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