Microsoft SQL CAL Question

[benaround]

We are purchasing a PBX from one of 2 vendors who both use Microsoft SQL as their database. They both say we need only 1 SQL license for all 15 telephone / stations to access their database.

They have stated that we need a 15 CAL for the server, which makes sense. (actually 16 with the server cal)

From a program standpoint, I can only see a single SQL cal if (and I not sure that this resolves any license issues) they wrote a single program as interface to the database system.
All "station" will access the sql database.

I need to know if I have 1 user accessing Microsoft Advance Server for this application and that user will use SQL for their application access, if that user will need a CAL Microsoft SQL.

If the standard SQL 5 CAL acts like Advance Server 2000, in this case, then the system will act like garbage until we get properly licensed.
Thanks ahead of time for any help and I'm just trying to avoid a $2000 mistake in purchasing.

 

[MDXer]

whenever I have had questions about cals or licensing issues where a vendor says one thing but it appears to be another I just contact MS. Usually a phone call answers all my questions and MS are usually pretty helpful.

"Shoot Me! Shoot Me NOW!!!"
- Daffy Duck

 

[TonyKhela]

Firstly, SQL licensing is a legal requirement, not a technical one. Ofcourse you need to license your usage of SQL server adequately, but this is not enforced by SQL as you are suggesting in your question.

Heres the link from Microsoft website explaining the details.

For what its worth, I think you'll need the 15 CALs, if you go for 'Server plus device CALs' type license mode. (ie. Requires a license for the computer running the Microsoft server product, as well as a CAL for each client device).

But if you go for 'Server plus user CALs' (which Requires a license for the computer running the Microsoft server product, as well as a CAL for each user), then you could get away with 1 CAL. But I think you'll need the device type licensing in this case.

I agree with Daffy, for peace of mind speak to Microsoft.

TK

 

[TonyKhela]

Sorry, forgot to paste the link.
Here it is now.

http://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/

TK

 

[benaround]

Thanks, I called Microsoft, briefly they said 1 Advance Server => 1 SQL user => $$$