What does a client access license (CAL) enable?

A client access license (CAL) enables multiple users to access software that is hosted on a networked server. This licensing model is common in server environments, particularly with Microsoft server products, where access is controlled based on the number of clients or devices that connect to the server.

The rationale behind CALs is to ensure that businesses are compliant with software licensing requirements while giving flexibility in how users can access the software. CALs can be user-based, meaning a specific user can access the software from any device, or device-based, where a specific device can access the software irrespective of who is using it.

This licensing model supports environments where organizations utilize centralized software resources, allowing many users to interact with applications hosted on servers without the need for each user to have individual copies of the software installed locally. The structure helps with management, updates, and overall software deployment efficiency in corporate networks.