Microsoft SQL 2019 Device CAL Key (1)
- Key delivered by email right after payment
- Download link and activation guide included
- Secure checkout · digital product, nothing shipped
A SQL Server 2019 Device CAL is the client access licence one device needs to use SQL Server licensed under the Server + CAL model. This listing is 1 Device CAL, which covers that device whoever is using it. It isn't a server licence and doesn't include SQL Server itself. You get the licence key by email after payment, together with instructions.
- 1 Device CAL for SQL Server 2019
- Covers one device, used by any number of people (shared PCs, terminals, scanners)
- Needed only for servers licensed under Server + CAL, not per core
- Also covers access to earlier SQL Server versions
- Digital delivery: nothing is shipped
When is a SQL Server Device CAL the right choice?
Choose Device CALs when several people share one device, for example shift workers on a shop-floor PC or staff on a reception terminal. One Device CAL covers everyone who uses that device, so you buy one CAL per device instead of one per person.
| User CAL | Device CAL | |
|---|---|---|
| Licenses | One named user, on any number of devices | One device, used by any number of people |
| Best for | Staff with several devices each | Shared PCs, terminals and shift work |
| Example | 10 staff with 2 devices each: 10 User CALs | 3 shared PCs used by 15 people: 3 Device CALs |
| Can be combined | Yes, with Device CALs | Yes, with User CALs |
How many SQL Server 2019 CALs do I need?
You need one Device CAL for every device that accesses SQL Server, directly or indirectly. Microsoft's terms count devices even when no person is using them at the time, such as an unattended scanner or kiosk.
Microsoft's licensing terms say that multiplexing, such as pooling connections through an application, web server or middleware, doesn't reduce the number of CALs required. Access from another licensed server doesn't need a CAL.
If you can't count your users, for example with a public website, core-based licensing is usually the better model because it needs no CALs at all. Compare the options in SQL Server 2019 licences.
What do I need before buying SQL Server 2019 CALs?
You need a SQL Server server licence that uses the Server + CAL model. CALs only grant access: they don't include SQL Server, and they don't replace a server licence.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Server licence | SQL Server Standard licensed under Server + CAL, one licence per server or VM running it |
| Licensing model | Server + CAL. Servers licensed per core need no CALs |
| CAL version | Same version as the server or newer: a 2019 CAL covers SQL Server 2019 and earlier |
| Edition | Standard. New Enterprise licences are sold per core only |
| Windows Server access | Separate Windows Server CALs, if the operating system is licensed with CALs |
How do I use and record SQL Server CALs?
In most cases there's nothing to type into SQL Server: CALs have no activation step, and SQL Server doesn't count connections for you. They are licences you keep on record and can show if your licensing is ever reviewed.
- Check that the server runs SQL Server Standard licensed under the Server + CAL model.
- List every device that reaches the database, including shared PCs, terminals and unattended devices.
- Buy one CAL for each entry on that list, choosing User or Device CALs (or a mix).
- Keep your order email and licence key with your licence records as proof of purchase.
- Recount when staff or devices change, and add CALs before access grows.
A common mistake we see is buying CALs for a server that is licensed per core: those CALs aren't needed. The opposite mistake is counting only database administrators and forgetting the staff who reach the data through business apps.
Frequently asked questions
Does a SQL Server 2019 CAL work with older SQL Server versions?
Yes. Microsoft's licensing terms let a CAL access the corresponding version of SQL Server or earlier versions. A SQL Server 2019 CAL therefore covers SQL Server 2019 and older servers, but not a newer version released later.
Is a SQL Server CAL the same as a Windows Server CAL?
No. They are separate licences. A SQL Server CAL covers access to SQL Server, while a Windows Server CAL covers access to the Windows Server operating system. A user of a SQL Server running on CAL-licensed Windows Server usually needs both.
Can I mix User and Device CALs?
Yes. You can use User CALs for staff with several devices and Device CALs for shared PCs on the same server. What matters is that every user or device accessing SQL Server is covered by one of the two.
How long will SQL Server 2019 be supported?
Mainstream support for SQL Server 2019 ended in February 2025, and extended support continues until January 2030. After that date Microsoft stops releasing security updates for it. Microsoft lists the exact dates on its SQL Server 2019 lifecycle page.
See all SQL Server 2019 licences and CALs, or browse Windows Server licences for the server itself.
