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What are the core benefits and essential features of Microsoft SQL 2017 Device CAL?
Device Coverage – Licenses one device for many users.
Shared Terminals – Ideal for kiosks, shift work, front desks.
Simple Budgeting – Predict costs when devices outnumber users.
Compliance Ready – Helps meet audits with clear device counts.
Broad Access – Covers SQL Server access via apps.
Easy Reassignment – Move entitlement when devices are replaced.
This product activates a device and is valid as long as the device is running, can not be used a second time (even on the same device).
A key can activate the software once.
Device rights – Licenses one device to access SQL Server.
Shared use – Multiple users can use the same device.
License proof – Helps document access rights for audits.
Flexible assignment – Reassign when hardware is replaced or retired.
Version access – Access SQL Server 2017 and earlier versions.
Server plus CAL – Designed for Server plus CAL environments.
Microsoft SQL 2017 Device CAL is a licensing option for environments where devices are shared by multiple users. It helps you stay compliant while keeping access costs predictable.
Cost control – Best when devices outnumber named users.
Shift friendly – Great for shared workstations and kiosks.
Easy tracking – Count devices instead of individual people.
Audit clarity – Clear mapping between devices and access rights.
App access – Covers access through applications and services.
Future ready – Supports upgrades when servers are modernized.
It licenses a specific device to access SQL Server services.
One licensed device can be used by many users.
Applies to access through tools, apps, or services.
Best for shared terminals and rotating staff.
Device CAL licenses one device, while User CAL licenses one person.
Device CAL suits shared PCs used by many users.
User CAL suits one user working across multiple devices.
Choose based on your access pattern and workforce.
No, you need a CAL per accessing device, not per connection.
Multiple connections from the same device are covered.
Apps using SQL still count as device access.
Plan based on how many devices can reach SQL.
Yes, access through an application still requires proper CAL coverage.
Each device that uses the app to reach SQL counts.
Back-end service accounts do not replace access licensing.
Count the real endpoints that consume SQL data.
A device CAL can cover access across your SQL Server 2017 and earlier deployments that use Server plus CAL licensing.
It is not tied to a single instance on a server.
Keep CAL version aligned with the newest server accessed.
Use consistent licensing rules across the environment.
It depends on whether the users are internal devices or external visitors.
Internal devices that access SQL typically need CAL coverage.
External users are often handled with other licensing options.
Choose a model that matches public access scenarios.
No, SQL Server Express does not require paid server licensing or CALs.
Express has feature and resource limitations.
It is commonly used for small apps and testing.
Upgrade when you need higher performance and features.
"Device CALs were perfect for our shared shop-floor terminals."
"Much easier to count devices than track every user."
"Great fit for shift teams where people rotate daily."
"Helped us clean up licensing and prepare for audits."
"Works well when many users share a few PCs."
Instant delivery - Product keys and downloads available within minutes.
Activation guarantee - If activation fails, you receive a new key.
Download included - Secure official download link always provided after purchase.
Easy installation - Clear step-by-step instructions guide you through setup.
Genuine licenses - Product keys from audited, legally compliant distribution channels.
Multilingual support - Help in seven languages via chat, email, phone.
Easy exchanges - Problematic keys replaced quickly, without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Transparent pricing - No hidden fees. Fair prices and price plans to get even better prices.
Trusted seller - Over 2800 Trustpilot ratings averaging 4.8 out of 5.
| Important | Microsoft SQL 2017 Device CAL is a license, not software. A Device CAL is required for each device that accesses SQL Server under the Server plus CAL licensing model. Your SQL Server 2017 host must meet the SQL Server 2017 hardware and software requirements. |
| Compatibility | Windows Server 2022: Standard / Datacenter / Datacenter Azure Edition Windows Server 2019: Standard / Datacenter / Essentials Windows Server 2016: Standard / Datacenter / Essentials Windows Server 2012 R2: Standard / Datacenter / Essentials / Foundation Windows Server 2012: Standard / Datacenter / Essentials / Foundation |
| Operating Systems | Windows Server 2022: Standard / Datacenter / Datacenter Azure Edition Windows Server 2019: Standard / Datacenter / Essentials Windows Server 2016: Standard / Datacenter / Essentials Windows Server 2012 R2: Standard / Datacenter / Essentials / Foundation Windows Server 2012: Standard / Datacenter / Essentials / Foundation Windows 11: Home / Professional / Enterprise / IoT Enterprise Windows 10: Home / Professional / Enterprise / IoT Enterprise Windows 8.1: Pro / Enterprise Windows 8: Standard / Pro |
| Processor | Minimum: x64 processor 1.4 GHz Recommended: 2.0 GHz or faster x64 only supported |
| Memory RAM | Minimum: Express editions 512 MB Minimum: All other editions 1 GB Recommended: Express editions 1 GB Recommended: All other editions at least 4 GB and should be increased as database size increases |
| Hard Disk | Minimum 6 GB of available hard disk space for SQL Server installation |
| Display | Super VGA 800x600 or higher resolution monitor |
| NET Version | Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6 required for SQL Server 2017 Database Engine, Master Data Services, or Replication |
| Note | This CAL has no installation requirements on the accessing device because it is a license. The requirements above apply to installing and running SQL Server 2017 on the host system. |
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Here you can find some general information about used software, an overview of the most important legal information as well as answers to frequently asked questions from our customers ("FAQ“)
Used software is available for sale in the European Union as well as in Switzerland according to current jurisdiction provided that the necessary conditions are met. The necessary conditions are as follows:
keys.express and keys.discount ensure that the above mentioned requirements are met and that a legal use of the software is guaranteed. The requirements of the European legislation are also met in Switzerland.
You can find further information on:
There is a lot of legal information about the topic of used software. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. You can contact us at any time via welcome(at)keys.express. In the meantime, you can also find a short overview of the most important legal information regarding used software here:
For distance contracts concluded by telephone, on the Internet or when ordering from a catalogue, EU law provides for the possibility for consumers to withdraw from the contract for a certain period of time ("right of withdrawal"). A consumer in this sense is any natural person who concludes a legal transaction for purposes that are predominantly neither commercial nor self-employed. In Switzerland we usually speak of consumers.
Consumers have the right to cancel the contract within fourteen calendar days without giving reasons. The revocation period begins on the day the contract is concluded.
In order to exercise your right of withdrawal from keys.express or keys.discount, you must inform us by means of a clear statement (e.g. a letter, fax or e-mail sent by post) of your decision to withdraw from this contract. For this purpose, you can contact us using the following information:
Keys Distribution Ltd
Suite 2, 215 Main Street
Gibraltar Heights, Gibraltar
Phone +423 7989130
Email: welcome@keys.discount
keys.express and keys.discount also provides a template revocation form. In order to comply with the revocation period, it is sufficient to send the notification of the exercise of the right of revocation to Keys Distribution Ltd before the end of the revocation period.
If you revoke this contract, we must reimburse you for all payments which we have received from you for the corresponding order, including delivery costs (with the exception of additional costs which result from the fact that you have chosen a different type of delivery than the cheapest standard delivery offered by us), immediately and at the latest within fourteen calendar days from the day on which we receive notification of your revocation of this contract. For this repayment we will usually use the same means of payment that you used for the original transaction, unless expressly agreed otherwise with you. In no case will you be charged for this refund.