Does Office 2010 Professional Plus include the CAL for Office Communications Server?

Question

I know office 2010 pro plus includes office communicator, but is that the CAL for accessing the server? I am trying to figure out if i just need to buy the Communications server software or if i need the server software and the CALs.

Answer 1

Having just had to deal with exactly this issue, here is my understanding: (DISCLAIMER: Always verify with your vendor!!)
There are 3 licenses for Communicator and OCS:

• License #1 is for the Communicator client. This is included with Office Professional Plus.
• License #2 is for OCS Standard connectivity, this gives you basic Communicator functionality. IM, Video, etc...
• License #3 is for OCS Enterprise, and this is additive - you need this in ADDITION to a Standard license. This gives you more of the Unified Messaging capabilities.

There's more detailed information on the MS OCS site that will tell you what the Standard and Enterprise CAL's for OCS give you, but to answer your basic question, NO. The License you get with Office ProPlus is only for the Communicator software itself, NOT for accessing the OCS server.

Answer 2

Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 R2 is included in Office Professional Plus 2010 Volume Licensing options and Microsoft Office Communicator 2010 is scheduled for release in the second half of 2010. So both communicator versions are included.

Compare Office 2010 suites available through Volume Licensing

To have OCS-services, Core CAL Suite and Enterprise CAL Suite or Core CAL Suite and OCS CAL Suite(s) are needed. Additionally Live Meeting requires OCS Enterprise CAL. OCS CAL Suites can be purchased separately w/ Core CAL Suite.

Microsoft Core CAL and Enterprise CAL Suites:

Answer 3

I'd have to dig into the agreements/documentation, but I believe that the Communicator program is not yet included with Office 2010 ProPlus, but the CAL is included for Communicator 2010 (can be downgraded to 2007). When Communicator 2010 is released the full program will be included.

Answer 4

To be honest, I don't think any of us here are Microsoft Licensing experts. If someone here is, I'm sorry.

It's my understanding that that CAL is only for Communications server. You'll still need CALs for Windows Server...see this similar question.

I have go-to people I can contact at my various vendors to get those questions answered and be relatively assured that I'm in compliance.

Do you have a vendor you can contact?