How Much CAL Needed

Clarifications

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/sam/lic_cal.mspx

This explains the differences between per seat and per server licensing.

But basically, whether you go for per seat or per server, you will have to buy 50 CALs to allow each of the workstations/users to connect to the server simultaneously.

Or you will get flooded with Spam and it will be no one's fault but your own.

Now as to the Server it depends on what you want it to do. If it is a Replacement to the existing unit you Technically need to purchase 45 CAL's because the first 5 come with the Server Application to service 50 workstations.

However it may be in your best interests to look at M$'s Pricing as quite often it's far cheaper to buy a greater number of CAL's that what you require. So look at the pricing of a 50 Pack as apposed to 2 X 20 Packs and 1 X 5 Pack of the type of CAL that you are going to use. I don't know about 2008 Pricing mainly because it's not as yet suitable for my customers but with 2003 it's far cheaper to buy the 50 Pack than opt for for the multiple Packs and then you have added labor costs in installing the 3 Packs instead of the 1 Pack. Yes I know it's not any effort but if you need to bring in an outsider to configure the system you are paying for their Time and the more work that you give them to do the more it costs you. It's very hard to budget for these expenses and so most people cut back in other areas to prevent overspending and getting into problems with their employer.

Col