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User and Device Licenses for Small Business Server 2003

I'm still confused about what is the requirement for Small Business Server when purchasing licenses. I understand that a user CAL lets one user use several devices (PC, Laptop, PDA) and a device CAL lets any amount of users access? (20 users using 10 computers in shifts?)

Ok so we had our original 5 when the SBS was installed, then we purchased 5 more licenses and I wasn't around, I recently purchased 5 more device licenses (the packaging says Device Licenses. Ok; so this is our scenario right now: we have 18 computers,  usually 1 user per computer and maybe 3 floating people that log on to any one computer when the original user does not come in. recently when I had only 10 licenses some computers when I added a new user to it, that user or another veteran user would get disconnected from the server somehow and I was resolving this by basically restarting the computer. When I purchased the 5 devices cals that problem went  away. Now we are going to add 3 more computers and hire 5 more people (adding them as users on the server) so; my licensing screen on the server says I have 15 licenses and maximum usage 19 (it was 18 but went one up when I added another cell through ActiveSync). So what do I purchase now? User Cals or Device Cals?

And Part 2 of this question: How do I make sure that if I buy a 5 pack of BOTH user and device cals that it's the right item?
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Robberbaron (robr)
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so "usually 1 user per computer and maybe 3 floating people that log on to any one computer when the original user does not come in."  doesnt work unless all the PC's are assigned Device CALS.   The USER cal is assigned even if JoeBlow doesnt come to work.

Device cals dont allow best use of SBS best features.... RWW & OWA
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Ok; seems we technical people overexplain ourselves when it's really easy.

My scenario: I have 19 computers, 1 user per computer. They are never used in shifts. I have 15 Licenses; and yes it does say maximum usage so far 19; so im under 4 licenses.

Now that this is clear: Please and thank you; according to you Jeff; I need 5 more USER cals for now?

And then I'll need more USER cals? when I buy more computers and hire more people; 1 user per pc.
My rule of thumb, if in doubt use USER cals...  ;)

I can honestly say that I have not found one scenario where device CALs make more sense than user CALs.

-saige-
Yes, you currently need 5 more USER CALs and when you buy 3 more computers/hire 5 more people you will need to get another 5-pack of USER CALs.

FYI, resetting the licensing database as I suggested above will probably help you for a few days until you get the additional CALs.

Jeff
TechSoEasy
Ok Great. So I just purchased 5 user cals.... $300...not too bad. Thanks for the help everybody, I had an epiphany and then it went away...but User Cals it is from now on.
I have seen them out there for that low a price... just be sure you are getting SKU T74-00002.

Jeff
TechSoEasy