December Brings Microsoft User License Increases: Is Dynamics CRM Next?

Starting December 1^st, user client-access licenses (CALs) are getting more expensive for many Microsoft services; the 15 percent increase may be painful, especially for companies which rely on user flexibility. Microsoft Dynamics products aren't yet listed as part of the price bump, and there have been questions about whether CRM will soon be added too. And the change raises an important question - is user/device differentiation part of Microsoft's new game plan?

[Editor's note: Since this piece was posted, Microsoft has told us that the Dynamics team is not introducing pricing changes to the Dynamics solutions at this time.]

I Can't Do That, CAL

Crucial here are the differences between device CALs and user CALs. Device CALs are purchased for any device that accesses a server - Microsoft says these are ideal for shift workers or call centers where the same PC or tablet is always used to access file storage, printers or customer relationship management (CRM) products. No matter the number of users on the device, it requires only one license. The cost of a device CAL is not increasing.

User CALs, meanwhile, let a single user access Microsoft servers from any device. Here, access goes with the employee, allowing them to work from home, on the road or in the office with equal facility. According to a recent ...