Rockstar1
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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?
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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ASKER
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 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-
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
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
ASKER
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
Jeff
TechSoEasy
Device cals dont allow best use of SBS best features.... RWW & OWA