Using the features of Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 with a CAL

Each company-owned server that uses the current version of Exchange Server must have one or more licenses to access the appropriate features and services. Each user or device that needs to access the Exchange Server requires a Client Access License (CAL) - a User CAL or Device CAL. The decision for a CAL version is based on the company structure on the one hand and on the other hand on the requirements for security in e-mail traffic and the protection of your own data as well as that of partners.

What advantages does the current Windows Microsoft Exchange Server 2019offer?

With the new Exchange Server version, Microsoft has significant improvements and extensions to offer in many areas, which further increase security, speed and functionality. In addition to users, administrators also benefit from many practical functions that improve and facilitate the organization of internal and external communication.

Improvements of Exchange Server in the area of security

The use of Windows Server Core Support now offers less vulnerability to unauthorized external access, since Exchange now runs in a Windows and therefore requires less maintenance. The Exchange Management Shell and the Exchange Admin Center are also better protected from external access.

By applying client access rules, Exchange administration can now be allowed and simplified from the internal network, eliminating the need to apply complex network and firewall rules.

ImprovedExchange ServerPerformance

The search infrastructure for cloud scaling and reliability has also been improved in Exchange Online. As a result, indexing larger files is now possible, as well as easier management and improved search performance. This also results in much faster and more reliable failovers between servers.

Other features of Exchange Server 2019  

The use of the latest storage hardware including larger hard drives and SSDs increases overall server performance: Exchange 2019 now supports up to 256 GB of memory and 48 CPU cores. A dynamic database memory also optimizes active database usage.

In addition, new calendaring features, a better out-of-office function, and additional options for out-of-office notes and absence management improve collaboration and coordination of meetings, an important part of internal corporate communications. Administrators in particular only have extended options for scheduling when employees are absent.

In addition, e-mail addresses containing non-English characters can be forwarded and delivered in their original form through internationalization.

Microsoft licensing types for Exchange Server 2019

Microsoft regulates the individual use of Exchange Server 2019 with the different licensing models, which are differentiated by the Microsoft licensing model: First of all, the two server licenses - Standard and Enterprise - for the Exchange Server as such, they differ quantitatively with regard to the needs of small and large companies; secondly, the two types of Client Access Licenses (CALs) - they are assigned either to a device (Device CAL) or a user (User CAL); and finally, the Standard and Enterprise versions, which define the scope of functions and rights of the respective CAL.

Server License for Microsoft ExchangeServer 2019

Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 is available in Standard and Enterprise editions. The functionality of Exchange 2019 Standard and Enterprise is identical, both editions differ only in their scalability, i.e. how many mailbox databases they support.

The Standard Edition of Exchange Server 2019 supports up to a maximum of 5 mailbox databases, typically the needs of small and medium-sized businesses; the Enterprise Edition of Exchange Server 2019 supports up to 100 mailbox databases - making it suitable for larger businesses and organizations.

User CALs and Device CALs for Microsoft Exchange Server 2019

The CALs for Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 are available in two different versions - as User CAL and as Device CAL - depending on whether a specific user or a specific computer is to be authorized to access the server.

Which CAL variant is the most practical and cost-effective for a company or institution may differ from case to case. The decision for an Exchange Server Device CAL or User CAL is usually based not only on the number of employees, but also on the most common way of working:

Employees who work exclusively locally at their fixed workplace with their own computer benefit more from an Exchange Server Device CAL. If a workstation is designed to be flexible or mobile and therefore works on different end devices, a User CAL for Exchange Server may be more advantageous. Below are the most important facts about both CAL versions:

User CALs for Exchange Server: User CALs are only intended for a single user. The advantage: With a User CAL, this user can access the Exchange Server from different devices. This can be the desktop PC in the office, or another computer, for example in the home office, or a notebook used outside the company. So if an employee is often on the road, e.g. for customer appointments or often gives presentations on site, User CAL for Exchange Server is the best choice.

Device CALs for Exchange Server: A Device CAL is a device-related license. This means that only a very specific computer is authorized to access the Exchange Server, for example EITHER a PC OR a notebook in the company. Here, even very different users can have access to the licensed end device in order to use the services of Microsoft Exchange Server.

With a Device CAL it is therefore irrelevant which user accesses the Exchange Server, as long as this is only done via the respective licensed device. A Device Client Access License is therefore particularly practical for proactive sharing of workstations.

Why is there also a Standard and an Enterprise CAL for Microsoft Exchange Server?

While the Standard and Enterprise editions for Exchange Server 2019 differ only in the scalability of the functions, the difference between the Standard and Enterprise CAL relates to the scope of the functions of Exchange Server 2019 available in each case.

The Enterprise CAL is, so to speak, an add-on to the Standard CAL and extends it with additional functions, such as Unified Messaging, integrated archiving functionality, and DLP.

Both Standard and Enterprise CALs naturally work together with the Standard and Enterprise editions of Exchange Server 2019. Therefore a StandardAL can also be used for the Enterprise edition of Exchange 2019 Server - and vice versa the Enterprise CAL on the Standard.

Difference between the StandardAL and the Enterprise CAL for Microsoft Exchange Server

There is a simple reason for the split into Standard and Enterprise CAL: Not every user working with Microsoft Exchange Server needs the full range of services and functions. If not all employees need the same access rights.

companies can save money by purchasing a simpler Standard instead of the more complex Enterprise CAL.

In particular, organizations benefit from Enterprise CALs because they also offer new integrated functions for archiving and protecting information compared to the Standard. This can reduce the complexity of complying with compliance requirements, which also helps to reduce costs. Similarly, the use of unified messaging instead of conventional voice mail systems can consistently reduce operating costs.

Key features in Exchange Server 2019 include archiving mailboxes through the Archive Mailbox and Multi-Mailbox Search; the aforementioned support for compliance policies through improved information protection and control; a personal and legal archive; improved anti-spam protection; application of e-mail transport and custom retention policies; an in-situ archive; and in-situ retention (In-Place Archive or in-place hold), defined journals for users and distribution lists, and last but not least rights management within Exchange Server. Various sharing features regulate the rights for calendars, improving coordination and creating a better overview, so that time-consuming overlaps or unnecessary appointments are banned from the company's daily routine.

Your cost-effective server licensing with CALs from Wiresoft

If you have any questions about licensing Microsoft Exchange Server for your company, please contact us. We will be happy to advise you on your optimal license design for Microsoft Exchange Server and provide you with a tailor-made offer.

When buying Exchange Server CALs you save money with Wiresoft! Because Wiresoft sells unused and therefore cheaper single licenses from companies that do not use their license requirements to the full extent. This reduces your acquisition costs!