Microsoft has introduced new licensing options with the release of Windows Small Business Server 2008 to address customer business needs and feedback from previously released versions of the product. This is part of a broad effort to make software licensing more consistent, predictable, and flexible for our customers.

With Windows Small Business Server 2008, use of server services does not activate CALs. Instead, businesses choose how CALs will be used based on how the server needs to be accessed on a regular basis. Both editions of Windows Small Business Server 2008 offer two types of CALs to choose from: device-based (device CALs) or user-based (user CALs) options. These options give you the flexibility to choose the CAL that best suits your organization.

User CALs
With user CALs, you acquire a CAL for individuals who are given named access to your server. Licensed users can access the server from any device. User CALs might make the most sense for an organization that has many roaming employees who need access to the corporate network from mobile devices or employees who use multiple devices to access the network. You can reallocate a user CAL if a reassignment is permanent. You can also temporarily reassign a user CAL if the user is on leave or the device is disable.