Lync and Forefront Added to Microsoft Core Cal Suite!

Microsoft is updating the Core Client Access License Suite (Core CAL Suite) to include Lync Server 2010 and Forefront Endpoint Protection.

Beginning August 1, 2011 (the beginning of Microsoft's fiscal year),  Lync Standard CAL and Forefront Endpoint Protection will move to Core CAL Suite.  Previously these products lived on the Enterprise CAL “Step Up”, and made up part of the Enterprise Suite stack.  Organizations who have Software Assurance on their Core CAL as of August 1st, will have access to the new features.

You can expect to see moderate price increases to Core CAL, but Microsoft will not release final details until the August 1st price list is out.  It is anticipated that with discounts to the E-CAL Step Up, the full E-CAL Suite stack will be roughly the same cost as today.

Current Core CAL customers with Software Assurance (SA) as of August 1st can choose to sign an “Early Use Rights Amendment” that will allow them to utilize the new features today at no additional cost.  Contact your Microsoft licensing vendor for more details.

SoftChoice, a Microsoft Gold Licensing partner, put together a great document and FAQ about the new changes.  You can download it here. Posted by Jeff Guillet 8:35 AM