Member Avatar for DeanMSands3

A client needs a Windows Server set up.
The Server will run Exchange.
The client will have a max of 10 employees.
At most one user will ever need to remote-desktop in.
How many User CALs will need to be purchased and what kind?
Should there be 10 User CALs for the Windows Server, 10 User CALs for Exchange and 1 RDS CAL?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by rproffitt

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Short answer: for a typical on‑premises Windows Server running Exchange for 10 employees you’ll need 10 Windows Server CALs (per‑user or per‑device) plus 10 Exchange Server Standard CALs (one per user or device that accesses mail). If only one person ever RDPs in for server administration, you do not need Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CALs; if that person needs a regular desktop session on the server (an RDS / Session Host scenario), you must buy an RDS CAL for that user/device. ()

RDP specifics: Windows Server permits two concurrent remote administration sessions without an RDS license or license server. To support more than administrative use (or more user sessions), install RD Session Host, deploy RD Licensing, and purchase RDS CALs (per‑user or per‑device) as required. (learn.microsoft.com)

Exceptions and options to consider: Windows Server Essentials editions have different limits (Essentials can include user limits and CAL exceptions), so confirm the exact Windows Server SKU before buying CALs. CAL Suites (Core/Enterprise) or qualifying Microsoft 365 subscriptions can sometimes cover Windows and Exchange access rights in a bundle — this can be cheaper than buying individual CALs. Decide up front whether per‑user or per‑device fits the business (per‑user is common for mobile users). ()

Practical checklist before purchase: confirm server SKU (Essentials vs Standard/Datacenter), pick user vs device CALs, count unique users/devices that actually access Exchange or server features, determine whether any users need Exchange Enterprise features (adds Enterprise CAL), and only add RDS CALs if users will run full RDS sessions. As suggested, first verify any CALs already included with your purchase and then buy the shortfall; also keep purchase records in case of paperwork or audit. (microsoft.com)

Member Avatar for rproffitt

Some versions of Server come with CALs. So there is no clear clean answer. And this:

Remote Desktop supports two concurrent connections to remotely administer a computer. You do not need a license server for these connections

So there's that. So check what CALs your version comes with and try simple. Like 10 minus what CALs the server came with.

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