Licensing Guide

Client Licenses are required to access all Skype for Business Online and Server features.

• Standard CALs enable users or devices to connect to Skype for Business Server for presence, IM, peer-to-peer VoIP and HD video, and Skype connectivity.¹
• For Skype for Business Server, client licenses are available through the standalone client, with Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, or by downloading the free Skype for Business Basic client.

User Subscription License (USLs) are required to use Skype for Business Online.

• Online Plan 1 enables presence, instant messaging (IM), peer-to-peer VoIP and HD video, and Skype connectivity.
• Online Plan 2 enables all the above plus scheduled and impromptu meetings with audio and video calling, and desktop and application sharing on mobile phones, tablets, PC, and Mac.

Client Access License (CALs) are required to use Skype for Business Server.

• Standard CALs enable users or devices to connect to Skype for Business Server for presence, IM, peer-to-peer VoIP and HD video, and Skype connectivity.
• Enterprise CALs enable scheduled and impromptu meetings with audio and video calling, desktop and application sharing, and dial-in conferencing on mobile phones, tablets, PC and Mac. The Standard CAL is a prerequisite for Enterprise CAL.
• Plus CALs enable PSTN in/out, emergency calling, and other enterprise-grade phone features. The Standard CAL is a prerequisite for Plus CAL.

In addition to CALs, server licenses are required for every front-end server.