Microsoft Server licences

Microsoft Server Licences

Microsoft server products provide essential business services such as email, databases, collaboration, and communications. The most widely used application servers include Exchange Server, SQL Server, SharePoint Server, and Skype for Business Server. Each product can be licensed individually and integrated with Windows Server and Active Directory.

Looking for access licences?

❯ Go to the access licences (CAL)

Microsoft Server Licences for Your IT Infrastructure

Microsoft Server products are server-side software solutions that deliver core business services such as email, database management, collaboration, and unified communications. They run on Windows Server and are licensed per server instance. In most cases, additional Client Access Licences (CALs) are required for users or devices that access the server.

The four most common Microsoft application servers are:

Exchange Server for email
SQL Server for database management
SharePoint Server for collaboration
Skype for Business Server for communications

These solutions are deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem and work seamlessly with Windows Server, Active Directory, and Microsoft productivity applications. VENDOSOFT provides the right Microsoft Server licences as pre-owned Microsoft licences that are fully compliant, audit-ready, and legally secure.

Microsoft Server Licences at a Glance

Microsoft offers specialised server products for key areas of enterprise IT. Exchange Server supports email services, SQL Server provides database functionality, SharePoint Server enables collaboration, and Skype for Business Server delivers unified communications. Each product is licensed separately and can be deployed either independently or in combination with other Microsoft server technologies.

VENDOSOFT offers the following used Microsoft Server licences:

Microsoft Exchange Server
- Enterprise email, calendar, and contact management platform
- Integration with Microsoft Outlook and mobile devices via Exchange ActiveSync
- Available in: Standard Edition (up to 5 mailbox databases) / Enterprise Edition (up to 100 mailbox databases)
Microsoft SQL Server
- Relational database management system for business-critical applications
- Integrated services for reporting, analytics, and data integration
- Licensing options: Core-based licensing (Standard and Enterprise Editions) or Server + CAL licensing (Standard Edition only)
Microsoft SharePoint Server
- Platform for intranet portals, document management, and team collaboration
- Centralised document storage with version control, search functionality, and granular permissions
- Licensed using the Server + CAL model, with Standard and Enterprise CALs available depending on required functionality
Microsoft Skype for Business Server
- Unified communications platform for instant messaging, presence, voice, and video conferencing
- Integration with Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office applications

Access to these servers generally requires the appropriate Client Access Licences (CALs). Without the correct CALs assigned per user or per device, compliant use is not possible. The exception is SQL Server licensed under the Core model, which does not require CALs.

How Are Microsoft Server Products Licensed?

Microsoft uses two main licensing models for its application servers: Server + CAL and Core-based licensing. The applicable model depends on the product and edition.

Under the Server+CAL model, one licence is purchased per running server instance, supplemented by an access licence per user or device. This model applies to Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, Skype for Business Server and SQL Server Standard Edition.

Under the Core model, the number of licences is based on the server’s processor cores – with a minimum licensing requirement of 4 cores per server instance. Core licences do not require additional CALs. This model is mandatory for SQL Server Enterprise and optional for SQL Server Standard.

The most cost-effective licensing approach depends on factors such as user numbers, workload requirements, and virtualisation strategy. You can use our licence configurator to determine your licence requirements – for more complex scenarios, VENDOSOFT’s licence experts are on hand to assist you personally.

Benefits of Microsoft Server Solutions

Microsoft Server products have been a trusted standard for corporate IT environments for many years, particularly in organisations already using Windows, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365. Their key strengths lie in seamless integration, robust security, and proven licensing frameworks.

Key Benefits

Centralised delivery of email, database, collaboration, and communication services
Tight integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, including Windows Server, Active Directory, and Microsoft applications
Scalability to support growing business requirements
Comprehensive security features, including encryption, role-based access control, permissions management, and auditing
Seamless compatibility with client applications such as Outlook, Excel, and SharePoint portals
Flexible licensing models tailored to different deployment scenarios
Full control of business data through on-premises deployment, particularly relevant for regulated industries and GDPR compliance requirements
Clear migration and upgrade paths between product versions

Buy Used Microsoft Server Licences from VENDOSOFT

Used Microsoft Server licences from VENDOSOFT offer a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new licences, with potential savings of up to 80%.

All pre-owned Microsoft licences sold by VENDOSOFT undergo a comprehensive legal compliance review and originate exclusively from the European Economic Area (EEA). This guarantees manufacturer-compliant and audit-ready licensing for every customer. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, VENDOSOFT has been helping organisations optimise and manage Microsoft licensing for more than ten years. Our experts provide personalised advice on selecting the right product version, licensing model, and any required Client Access Licences (CALs).