SharePoint Server is a local platform. With SharePoint Server, users are responsible for running and maintaining all internal aspects, including the server architecture, active directory and file storage. As is the case with Windows Server products, SharePoint Server requires client access licenses (CALs). The two main types are Device CALs and User CALs.
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2016
SKU: 76P-01876
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2016 User CAL
SKU: 76M-01600
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2016 Device CAL
SharePoint Server 2016 is a collaboration platform which you can use to manage documents, reports and archives. SharePoint 2016 provides a set of tools that enable organizations to create, manage, and share content and applications within their network. SharePoint Server 2016 users can also create websites, collaborate on projects, and automate workflows. You can also use Microsoft SharePoint 2016 to build internal company portals, team sites, extranets, and public-facing websites. Below you will find Microsoft’s support end date and more about SharePoint CALs.
The standard support end date has already passed on the 13th July 2021. However, you can still sign up for the extended support which continues until the 14th July 2026. The extended support offers security updates and bug fixes.
CALs is short for "Client Access License". These licenses grant access to Microsoft SharePoint Server and its services. CALs are required in the licensing of many Microsoft Servers such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, SQL Server and SharePoint Server, for example. Depending on who is receiving the access, there are two CAL variations- User CALs and Device CALs.
More specifically, there are two main CAL types. The first one is the standard CALs that are intended for the specific server, for example SharePoint 2016 User/Device CAL. The second CAL type provides remote access to the server and is called RDS CALs. RDS stands for Remote Desktop Services. RDS CALs are also either RDS User CALs or RDS Device CALs.
Read below the difference between the two CAL types and see which ones you need in your licensing model.
As mentioned above, a User CAL license provides access to the server for a single user. You can license users instead of devices, when you have less users than devices. For example, if one or more users need access to SharePoint Server 2016 via different devices, such as a laptop, PS, smartphone, etc. then it is more budget friendly to license the users. A general rule of thumb is that User CALs are the right choice for companies who have more devices than employees who need access to the server.
A Device CAL provides access to the server for a single device. With SharePoint, you would need to acquire CALs. Device CALs are especially useful for organizations with fewer devices and more employees who need access to a server’s services.Instead of licensing every user, you can just license the devices that need access to the server. This is mainly the case because Device CALs in this instance are more cost-efficient. See below what licenses you need in case you need remote access to the server.
CAL licenses can be standard User/Device or RDS User/Device CALs. RDS CALs (Remote Desktop Services) are part of the Microsoft licensing model and provide remote access to the server. Please note that RDS CALs are not a substitute for the standard CALs. You need a standard CAL and then an additional RDS CAL to correctly access the server. Just as standard CALs, RDS CALs can be either User CALs or Device CALs.
If you are interested in accessing SharePoint Server 2016 remotely, you would need to acquire Remote Desktop Services (RDS) User/Device CAL licenses next to the standard CALs. When choosing between User or Device CALs, a rule of thumb for organizations is to look at the amount of users and devices that require access to the server. If the users outnumber the devices, the financially better choise would be to buy RDS Device CALs since you’d have to acquire less of them. However, if the devices outnumber the remote users, the cheaper option would be to acquire RDS User CALs.
See the flowchart below to further understand which CAL type(s) you need in which situation.
Note: CALs are NOT included with any of the server licenses, therefore these must be purchased separately.