Dynamics CRM is a CRM (customer relationship management) server application designed to run on Windows Server or Windows Small Business Server in conjunction with Exchange Server.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 is available in two editions, each appropriate for different sizes and types of organizations. Additionally, several different licensing configurations are available. Which licenses you should request depends on the number and kind of users and devices accessing the CRM database, as well as the type of access needed.

You can use this guide to find the Dynamics CRM server and licenses appropriate to your organization's needs.

• Server Editions
• Client Access Licenses
• External Connector Licenses
• Upgrades from Dynamics CRM 4.0
• Dynamics CRM Products Available Through TechSoup

Server Editions

Two separate versions of the Dynamics CRM 2011 server are available through TechSoup: CRM Workgroup Server and CRM Server.

Dynamics CRM Workgroup Server 2011

Dynamics CRM Workgroup Server 2011 is a specially licensed edition of CRM Server and does not operate under the Server/CAL licensing model. CRM Workgroup Server 2011 includes licenses for a maximum of five users to access a server from any number of computers or other devices. There are no licenses available for additional users, devices, or external users.

Dynamics CRM Server 2011

Dynamics CRM Server 2011 operates under the Server/CAL licensing model. It offers a multi-tenant architecture, meaning that it allows organizations to maintain multiple, distinct CRM databases on one server with only one server license.

Client Access Licenses

Dynamics CRM Server 2011 requires a client access license (CAL) for each user or device accessing a server.

Here's where it gets somewhat complicated: There are five different types of CALs, and each is available on either a per-user or per-device model. The following table provides information about each CAL offered through TechSoup. More details about CALs are below the table.

Employee Self Service CAL

The employee self service CAL provides a user with limited API access and limited read-write access to a CRM server.

Limited CAL

The Limited CAL allows a user or device full read-only access and limited write access to a CRM server. In other words, users with a limited CAL may access CRM information and can make some edits and updates to it.

Full Use Additive CAL

When used in conjunction with a limited CAL, a full use additive CAL allows a user or device write access to a CRM server, thus allowing the user or device full read-write access to a server. The full use additive CAL may be used only in conjunction with a limited CAL.

Limited Use Additive CAL

The limited use additive CAL allows a user or device full read access and limited write access to a CRM server. This CAL may only be used to supplement an employee self service CAL.

CAL

The CAL provides a user or device with full read-write access to a CRM server. The CAL is functionally equivalent to a combined employee self service CAL, limited use additive CAL, and full use additive CAL.

External Connector Licenses

An external connector (EC) license provides any number of external users with limited API access and limited read-write access to a single installation of Dynamics CRM Server 2011. External users may not use the Dynamics CRM applications directly.

Generally, an external user is defined as anyone who is not an employee of the organization. This includes clients, suppliers, and alumni of the organization. External users do not include independent contractors, agents, service providers, or other persons providing services to or on behalf of the organization holding the license. As an alternative to an EC license, you may choose to license each external user with one or more separate CALs.

An EC license may not be used as a means of reselling or repackaging Dynamics CRM as a hosted service.

Upgrades from Dynamics CRM 4.0

If you received a donation of Dynamics CRM 4.0, you can get an upgrade to Dynamics CRM 2011 under Software Assurance as follows

*either alone or as part of a Dynamics CRM 4.0 Limited External Connector and Full Use Additive External Connector set

For more information, see Volume Licensing Service Center – Software Assurance Benefits.

Dynamics CRM Products Available Through TechSoup

Search for Dynamics CRM donations available through TechSoup.