Windows Server 2012 R2 - CALs

Discussion in 'Windows Server' started by s2pc33, Feb 28, 2014.

  1. s2pc33

    s2pc33 MDL Novice

    Nov 22, 2012
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    I am buying a license of Windows Server 2012 R2 but comes without CALs... Could run Hyper-v without Cals?

    Thanks you
     
  2. kelorgo

    kelorgo MDL Addicted

    Oct 29, 2012
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    Yes.

    In more detail: CALs are required only when a client accesses services (e.g. file sharing) of a server OS. In a virtualization scenario, if the clients only access the VM guests, they don't need CALs for the host. Naturally, if any of the VM guests run a server OS, and the clients access services on those, you need CALs for that.

    Examples:

    1) Windows Server 2012 R2 host with Hyper-V running a Linux server in a VM. Clients only ever use services of the Linux server:
    CALs not required.

    2) Windows Server 2012 R2 host with Hyper-V running a Windows 2008 R2 server in a VM. Clients only ever use services of the 2008 R2 server:
    CALs are required for accessing 2008 R2. A 2008 R2 version of CALs is sufficient.

    3) Windows Server 2012 R2 host with Hyper-V running a Linux server in a VM. Clients use services of the 2012 R2 host (e.g. filesharing, printing) as well as the Linux server:
    CALs are required for accessing 2012 R2.

    4) Windows Server 2012 R2 host with Hyper-V running a Windows 2008 R2 server in a VM. Clients use services of both the 2012 R2 server and 2008 R2 server:
    CALs are required for accessing 2012 R2. Note that a single CAL permits connections to any number of servers, so there is no need for separate CALs for the 2012 R2 and 2008 R2 servers. The 2012 R2 version of CALs also permits connections to older versions.

    Note that if you intend to use Remote Desktop Services (formerly Terminal Services), for example as part of a VDI infrastructure, that's a different story. Separate and additional licensing applies to RDS.
     
  3. s2pc33

    s2pc33 MDL Novice

    Nov 22, 2012
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    Thanks for your reply.

    I will use this license to have 2 virtual machines (1 Win2008R2 and 1 Win2012R2) where host 5 websites with SQL Server 2008 R2
     
  4. kelorgo

    kelorgo MDL Addicted

    Oct 29, 2012
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    In that case, you will need 2012R2 CALs and possibly external connector licences to access the websites running on the VMs, since you will be using the services of a Win2012R2 server OS.