When licensing users for Microsoft Lync, companies sometimes have trouble understanding the necessary Client Access Licenses each user would need in order to get the functionality they need. If your organization is not licensing the user base through Office 365’s program, each end user needs CAL’s based on the features they need. Below is a breakdown of what comes with each CAL.
Standard CAL
The Lync Server 2013 Standard CAL offers instant messaging and rich presence (IM/P) features. It provides users with real-time presence and enhanced IM along with PC-to-PC audio and video communications, as well as authenticated attendee experience for internal Lync Meetings.
Enterprise CAL
The Lync Server 2013 Enterprise CAL offers Lync Meetings, including Audio, Video, and Web conferencing features. It provides users the ability to create, moderate, and join conferences for collaboration with both internal and external users.
Plus CAL
The Lync Server 2013 Plus CAL offers enterprise voice capabilities that can enhance or replace traditional PBX systems. These capabilities include common calling features such as answer, forward, transfer, hold, divert, release, and park, along with Enhanced 9-1-1 calling for North America, support for analog devices and a broad range of both IP and USB user devices from partners.
In order for a user to have the full capabilities of Lync, they would need to have all three of the CAL’s above. One way to avoid having to purchase all three CAL’s would be to license them through the Office 365 Enterprise Plans. To learn more, please contact us at info@pei.com, and we would be happy to explain the licensing in greater detail
Martin Feehan, PEI
