Windows Server 2008 CALs FAQs

Q: Can I use my Windows Server 2003 CALs to access Windows Server 2008 software?

A: No. You must either purchase new Windows Server 2008 CALs or have Software Assurance (to upgrade your CALs) to access instances of Windows Server 2008. Your Windows Server 2003 CALs may continue accessing instances of Windows Server 2003 software.

Q: If a user or device accesses a server running Windows Server 2008 but is authenticating via a third-party authentication application (non-Microsoft based authentication), does the user or device still require a Windows Server 2008 CAL?

A: Yes, if the user or device is authenticating by any means to a server running Windows Server 2008, it requires a Windows Server 2008 CAL.

Q: If a user is only infrequently accessing certain protocols or services of the server software (such as Network Access Protection or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), is a Windows Server CAL still required?

A: Yes, a Windows Server CAL is still required for such infrequent use of the server software

Q: Can I use a Windows Device CAL and a Windows User CAL to access the same server? Also, can I use a Terminal Services Device CAL (TS Device CAL) and a Terminal Services User CAL (TS User CAL) on the same terminal server?

A: Yes. Windows Device and User CALs, as well as TS Device and User CALs, can be used on the same server

Q: Is there a difference in price between Device CALs and User CALs?

A: No. Windows Device CALs and Windows User CALs are priced the same, as are TS Device CALs and TS User CALs.

Q: Are there any differences between the requirements for CALs in Windows Server 2003 versus Windows Server 2008?

A: No. The Windows Server CAL requirements are the same.

Q: My Windows Server 2008 software came with a set number of CALs because I acquired it through a retail store or with a new piece of hardware. How do I designate those CALs as being User or Device CALs?

A: When the software comes packaged with CALs, you choose whether those CALs are User or Device CALs after you make the purchase, on the CAL End User License Agreement document.

Q: Can I use a Windows 2008 User CAL to access a server running Windows Server 2003?

A: Yes. Both Windows Server 2008 User and Device CALs can be used to access instances of Windows Server 2003.