What happens if Server 2016 doesn't have enough CALs?
What happens if Server 2016 doesn't have enough Client Access Licenses (CALs)?
My organization purchased 35 "OLP WIN SVR CAL 2016 SNGL NL USR CALs" for our Server 2016 server but now we have around 50 users who each have their own Active Directory user account.
So far we haven't noticed any issues with user logins but I just wanted to know what the consequences are for us not having enough of the client access licenses (CALs).
My organization purchased 35 "OLP WIN SVR CAL 2016 SNGL NL USR CALs" for our Server 2016 server but now we have around 50 users who each have their own Active Directory user account.
So far we haven't noticed any issues with user logins but I just wanted to know what the consequences are for us not having enough of the client access licenses (CALs).
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Do we need a separate CAL for each individual Active Directory user or do the CALs only account for users who are logged onto the server at the same time (concurrent logins)?
While we do have 50 total users now we only have 30 of them logged onto the server at the same time since some work mornings and others work nights.
Please clarify.
While we do have 50 total users now we only have 30 of them logged onto the server at the same time since some work mornings and others work nights.
Please clarify.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Does a single user CAL cover an unlimited number of devices that the individual user might use (such as two laptops, an iPad, a cell phone, two desktops, a home computer, etc.) including using several of these devices at the same time?
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Can you please provide me with website documentation that explains the consequences of not having enough Client Access Licenses (CALs) for Server 2016 and how a fine can result?
I need to share this with my organization to convince them to buy more licenses to cover the increase in the number of employees within our organization.
I need to share this with my organization to convince them to buy more licenses to cover the increase in the number of employees within our organization.
Here's the best answer for your organization: Microsoft requires a CAL for every user accessing a Microsoft driven server. If you don't have a number of CAL's equal to the number of users, you are violating the terms of your license agreement, which is both unethical and can possibly subject you to fines and penalties.
Now, it is true that your violations have to be discovered in order for your organization to run into trouble, so if it chooses to operate unethically, it can do so for quite some time. Various software suppliers have, in the past, performed random audits, but these are relatively rare.
However, there are at least two organizations that provide an opportunity disgruntled employees and less than scrupulous competitors an opportunity to rat on you.
https://reporting.bsa.org/r/report/add.aspx?src=us&ln=en-us - report piracy
http://www.siia.net/piracy/report/report.asp - report piracy - do note the reward program in effect
As far as the penalties are concerned: https://legalbeagle.com/6130124-legal-penalties-software-piracy.html
Again, though, is your organization ethical and honest? Would it try and cheat on its utility bill? Would it steal an extra box of paper from Office Depot? Would it cheat on its taxes? If not, then complying with software licensing is just one more thing to do... even though CAL's exist ONLY for the purpose of extracting more money out of your wallet.
Now, it is true that your violations have to be discovered in order for your organization to run into trouble, so if it chooses to operate unethically, it can do so for quite some time. Various software suppliers have, in the past, performed random audits, but these are relatively rare.
However, there are at least two organizations that provide an opportunity disgruntled employees and less than scrupulous competitors an opportunity to rat on you.
https://reporting.bsa.org/r/report/add.aspx?src=us&ln=en-us - report piracy
http://www.siia.net/piracy/report/report.asp - report piracy - do note the reward program in effect
As far as the penalties are concerned: https://legalbeagle.com/6130124-legal-penalties-software-piracy.html
Again, though, is your organization ethical and honest? Would it try and cheat on its utility bill? Would it steal an extra box of paper from Office Depot? Would it cheat on its taxes? If not, then complying with software licensing is just one more thing to do... even though CAL's exist ONLY for the purpose of extracting more money out of your wallet.
ASKER