Microsoft Lync is a hot topic of conversation these days. For organizations that want to invest (or have already invested) in Microsoft UC are currently working to figure out how Lync will help to achieve their UC objectives. One part of the buying process that usually requires clarification is the Lync license types.
Here is a high-level overview to help increase your familiarity with Microsoft Lync licensing. We (Arkadin) focus on private cloud deployments (single tenant and multi-tenant) so there will be no mention of server licensing or hardware investments (the cloud enables companies to achieve full functionality without the CapEx costs).
Microsoft Lync Licensing Overview
- Microsoft licenses are referred to as "CALs", which stands for Client Access License.
- Every user within an organization requires a Lync CAL to gain access to Lync
- CALs are licensed per user, not device (one user CAL enables a user to have simultaneous access from multiple devices)
- The core functionality of Microsoft Lync includes:
- Instant Messaging
- Rich Presence
- PC-to-PC calling (audio & video)
- Collaboration sessions (desktop sharing)
- Multi-party audio/video conferencing
- Online Meetings
- Enterprise Voice (use Lync as your telephone / PBX replacement)
Reference Guide
Licensing Notes
Standard CAL
This is the base user license type. The user is listed as a Lync contact in the company directory, is searchable for anyone within the organization on Lync (and with any federated organizations), has rich presence, the ability to make and receive PC-to-PC calls (audio and video) as well as join an online meeting
Standard Plus CAL
All the functionality listed above (STD CAL) as well as the Enterprise Voice functionality which means the end user has a dedicated phone number that they can receive calls from the outside world as well as place calls to any outside phone number. Additional features include simultaneous ring and call forwarding.
Enterprise CAL
All functionality available in the STD CAL as well as the ability to host multi-party online meetings within Lync.
Enterprise Plus CAL
This is the full-featured offer from Microsoft Lync that enables all functionality available within the Lync suite.
What's next?
Now that you know the basics, it's time to look at deployment options (Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid, On-Premise) and what combination of Lync licensing will be required to meet the end user needs at your organization.
Not really sure where to start?
Don't worry, Arkadin is here to help! Our dedicated UC team (engineers, voice specialists, solutions consultants and implementation advisors) will help build the strategic direction, project plan and implementation path and have you up and running with full functionality in a fraction of the time that an on-premise deployment would require.
Happy collaborating!