What is the difference between a Windows Server CAL and a Terminal Services (TS) CAL?
A. A Windows Server CAL is required when a user or device is directly or indirectly accessing a Windows server. Additionally, if the user or device is accessing or using the terminal services functionality of Windows Server, a TS CAL is also required. As an exception to these rules, up to two users or devices may access the server software only for server administration purposes, without requiring either a TS CAL or Windows Server CAL.
You failed to mention which edition you’re asking about, but the CAL requirements for 2008 are the same as for 2003 R2 – so yes, that would be typically 5 CALs included. That depends, however, on which package you bought – many retailers offer packages with 5 CALs included, but there are also SKUs without any CALs included. However, these are not Terminal Services CALs. There is no way to accurately answer your question without you providing more information about your deployment scenarios. Microsoft server licensing often tends to be… let’s say, obscure. You’ll probably find most relevant information here: Windows Server 2008 Licensing FAQ -> Client Access Licenses (CALs) Edit in light of other comments: Seems that I was wrong and there are no Terminal Services CALs included in the typical server SKUs beside the two administrator connections. Sorry. Upvoted the other answers.
