As a business owner, you may have heard the term Client Access Licenses (CALs) thrown around when discussing software licensing. CALs can be a confusing topic, but it is important to understand what they are and whether your business needs them.

So, what exactly are CALs? A CAL is a type of license that grants access to a specific software program or application. CALs are typically required when multiple users access a piece of software or application on a server. In other words, if you have a server hosting a program or application that will have multiple users accessing it, you will likely need CALs.

CALs can be categorized into two types: Device CALs and User CALs. A Device CAL licenses a specific device (such as a computer or mobile device) to access a software program or application. A User CAL licenses a specific user to access a software program or application, regardless of the device they are using.

So, do you need CALs for your business? The answer depends on a few factors, such as the software you are using and how it is being accessed. In general, if you have a server that multiple users access to use software or applications, you will likely need CALs. Additionally, some software vendors require CALs for their products.

However, there are some exceptions to when CALs are required. Most commonly, CALs are not required for web-based applications that are accessed through a web browser. This is because these applications are not hosted on a server and do not require separate licenses for each user.

It is important to note that CALs are a compliance issue. Failure to properly license software and applications can result in legal and financial consequences for your business. It is always better to be safe than sorry with software licensing.