What are the key benefits and advantages of Microsoft SQL 2019 Device CAL?
Shared Device – Licenses one device for any user access.
Shift Friendly – Best for shared workstations and shift environments.
Cost Efficient – Easier budgeting when devices outnumber users.
Simple Tracking – Track compliance by counting licensed devices.
Access Control – Assign rights to specific machines in use.
Compliance Support – Helps document device-based access across teams.
Device entitlement – Grants one device access to SQL Server.
Multi-user access – Any user may use the licensed device.
Direct access – Covers apps and management tool connections.
Indirect access – Covers access through server-based applications too.
Flexible deployment – Fits kiosks, terminals, and shared PCs.
Compliance alignment – Supports device-based access documentation.
Microsoft SQL 2019 Device CAL is a device-based access license for SQL Server environments. It is ideal when multiple people share the same computers.
Per-device access – One device gets SQL access rights.
Shared usage – Many users can use one licensed device.
Predictable costs – Great for terminals and shared stations.
Easy auditing – Count licensed devices for compliance checks.
Operational fit – Supports shifts and rotating staff patterns.
Scalable rollout – Add devices as new stations appear.
A Device CAL licenses one specific device to access SQL Server.
Assign access to a workstation, terminal, or kiosk device.
Any user can connect when using that device.
Useful for environments with shared machines.
Each device that accesses SQL Server needs appropriate coverage.
Applies to shared PCs, kiosks, and fixed workstations.
Includes devices running client apps that query SQL data.
Includes devices accessing data through internal applications.
Yes, many users can use one licensed device.
Best for shift workers on the same workstation.
Fits call centers, labs, and training rooms well.
Reduces license count when devices are limited.
Yes, but each device used must be licensed separately.
User access follows the device license choice.
Multiple laptops or desktops require multiple device coverage.
Choose user-based access when users roam widely.
Yes, server plus device access licenses are used together in this model.
License the SQL Server instance on the host server.
License each accessing device with a Device CAL.
Pick this approach for device-based access planning.
Device CAL licenses one device, while User CAL licenses one person.
Device CAL fits many users sharing one device.
User CAL fits one user across many devices.
Choose based on shared machines versus roaming users.
Device CAL is device-based access, while core licensing is capacity-based on cores.
Device CAL fits controlled device counts and shared stations.
Core licensing fits high traffic or unknown user access.
Select based on access patterns and growth expectations.
Yes, devices using an application to reach SQL still need coverage.
Applies to web apps, desktop apps, and middleware clients.
Covers devices that retrieve or modify SQL data.
Helps align device access rights to actual usage.
Device CAL is often best when many people share fewer devices.
Great for front-desk terminals and shared office PCs.
Ideal for shift work with rotating staff members.
Improves cost efficiency in fixed workstation setups.
"Device-based licensing made sense for our shared terminals."
"Perfect for rotating staff on the same workstations."
"Much easier to count devices than track individual users."
"Great fit for our lab PCs used by many people."
"Helped us control costs in a shift-based environment."
Instant delivery - Product keys and downloads available within minutes.
Activation guarantee - If activation fails, you receive a new key.
Download included - Secure official download link always provided after purchase.
Easy installation - Clear step-by-step instructions guide you through setup.
Genuine licenses - Product keys from audited, legally compliant distribution channels.
Multilingual support - Help in seven languages via chat, email, phone.
Easy exchanges - Problematic keys replaced quickly, without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Transparent pricing - No hidden fees. Fair prices and price plans to get even better prices.
Trusted seller - Over 2800 Trustpilot ratings averaging 4.8 out of 5.
| Important | To use Microsoft SQL 2019 Device CAL, the licensed SQL Server host must meet the applicable Microsoft SQL Server 2019 hardware and software requirements. |
| Compatibility | Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Microsoft SQL Server 2008 |
| Operating Systems | Windows 11 and 10: Home / Pro / Enterprise / IoT Enterprise Windows Server 2025 and 2022: Essentials / Standard / Datacenter / Datacenter Azure Edition Windows Server 2019 and 2016: Essentials / Standard / Datacenter Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.x Server Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.7 to 7.9 Server SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP3 to SP5 Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Docker Engine 1.8 or newer on Linux |
| Processor | Windows: 1.4 GHz x64 processor minimum and 2.0 GHz or faster recommended. Linux: 2.0 GHz or faster x64 processor with at least two cores. Installation on x86 processors is not supported. |
| Memory RAM | Windows Express editions: 512 MB minimum and 1 GB recommended. Windows other editions: 1 GB minimum and at least 4 GB recommended. Linux: At least 2 GB. |
| Hard Disk | At least 6 GB of available hard disk space. Actual space requirements depend on the installed SQL Server components and features. Windows installations support NTFS and ReFS file systems. Linux installations support XFS and ext4 file systems. |
| Display | Super VGA display with a resolution of 800 × 600 or higher for Windows installations. |
| Note | Each Device CAL permits one licensed device used by any user to access any number of licensed SQL Server 2019 or earlier instances. SQL Server 2019 CALs do not permit access to later SQL Server versions. The Server and CAL licensing model applies to SQL Server 2019 Standard Edition. A separately licensed SQL Server is required. Internet functionality requires an internet connection and additional charges may apply. |
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