Used SharePoint Server 2019 licences
Use SharePoint Server 2019 with used licences from Soft & Cloud
SharePoint Server 2019 is the latest version of Microsoft's web-based platform for the centralised provision and distribution of documents and other digital content via sites and communities. SharePoint Server 2019 supports local and decentralised teams in distributing files and documents securely and reliably and working together on projects. All content elements required in the company - from documents and files to videos or multimedia files - can be managed with SharePoint and distributed via websites in the company. The functions of SharePoint are also fully available on mobile devices such as tablets or laptops and can be used intuitively thanks to a user interface familiar from Windows and Office. Microsoft also regularly releases free SharePoint Server 2019 updates every six months or so.
Features of SharePoint Server 2019 at a glance
Microsoft SharePoint Server is installed locally (on-premise) on the company's own server hardware and can be accessed via a web browser. The central elements are the enterprise content management system, which enables the centralised, secure storage of company-relevant digital content. In addition to files and documents, audio and film recordings, photos, drawings and graphics can also be uploaded to the SharePoint server, for example.
With the new templates for Modern Sites and Modern Pages integrated in SharePoint 2019, you can create appealing, modern and dynamic websites for the internal exchange of data and information with just a few clicks. Content is organised simply by drag-and-drop and grouped, filtered and formatted with Modern Lists and Libraries. Another new feature is comprehensive support for hybrid implementations, which makes it easier than ever for companies to combine their local SharePoint Server environment with SharePoint Online (Microsoft SharePoint Server 2019 and SharePoint Hybrid Administration). The search function in SharePoint 2019 has been optimised by adopting SharePoint Online search technology, making it not only faster but also much more flexible.
SharePoint 2019 supports deep integration with the Microsoft 365 cloud service with Office 365, including OneDrive for Business, Microsoft Teams and PowerApps. For example, team sites can be created directly from Microsoft Teams and populated with content without having to go through the local SharePoint server. If such integration is not desired or possible, you can alternatively set up a SharePoint 2019 Office Online Server, which provides browser-based viewers for Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. To also create and modify documents, existing licences for Office 2016 (or newer) with Microsoft Software Assurance can be transferred to the cloud applications.
What is the difference between a used SharePoint Server 2019 licence and the purchase of a new licence?
The only difference between a used and new licence is the purchase price: With used software from Soft & Cloud, you can save up to 70% of the costs without any restrictions on stability, security, functionality or useful life. All licences offered by Soft & Cloud come from companies that do not need them or no longer need them (e.g. because branches have been closed, the company is insolvent or is using a different software (version)).
Soft & Cloud relies on a technically complex but completely transparent process for secure licence transfer, which the independent certification body TÜVIT of the TÜV Nord Group has certified as a Trusted Process for the fifth time in a row. This means that Soft & Cloud fulfils all the requirements for the legally compliant resale of used software and was also the first German used software retailer to offer its customers this security. This means that used licences purchased from us are not only completely legal, but are also accepted by Microsoft during licence audits without any restrictions.
In addition to the server and access licences required for SharePoint 2019, other server requirements (licences for Windows Server, SQL Server, etc.) must also be taken into account, resulting in considerable savings potential for companies. Our experienced Soft & Cloud licence consultants will be happy to support you in legally operating SharePoint Server 2019 on-premise on your company's own server hardware.
A comparison of the licences for SharePoint Server 2019
To install and operate SharePoint 2019 on your own hardware, it is not just the server that needs to be licenced. A Client Access Licence (CAL) is required for each user or device that accesses the server and uses its functions. With a SharePoint Server 2019 licence, these are further divided into two variants, Standard and Enterprise.
With a Standard CAL, basic SharePoint functions and tools can be used, which are completely sufficient for many applications. To utilise the full range of functions, additional Enterprise CALs for SharePoint are required to activate them. For this reason, there is only one common version of SharePoint Server 2019 available for download.
All users and device CALs must have at least the same version as the server software used. However, a downgrade is permitted, i.e. a 2019 CAL also authorises the use of previous versions, i.e. SharePoint Server 2016 or older.
SharePoint Server Standard User CAL
A Standard CAL for SharePoint Server 2019 authorises a user or device to use the basic functions of SharePoint:
- Sites: The sites integrated in SharePoint represent the central infrastructure for all company websites that can be created, customised and published easily, quickly and intuitively.
- Communities: The integrated web platform for simple and easy collaboration can be used with a variety of different end devices (e.g. desktop PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.).
- Content: The enterprise content management system (ECM) was specially developed for use in companies and further optimised for SharePoint 2019. In addition to the simple and convenient management of digital content, functions and routines are integrated to ensure a high level of data security and the protection of personal or company-relevant data.
- Search: In addition to a person and expert search, a visual preview of the search results and visual suggestions are available as standard.
To determine the exact number of user access licences required, you must first determine how many users are interacting with the company's SharePoint Server 2019 at the same time, i.e. editing, uploading or downloading digital content on the SharePoint Server. A separate User CAL is required for each simultaneously active user, regardless of where and with which device they are accessing the server.
SharePoint Server Standard Device CAL
While a User CAL grants access rights to a named user created in the system, a Device CAL assigns these rights to a specific device (e.g. a desktop computer or a network printer).
The need for Device CALs is often easier to determine, but care is also required here to avoid purchasing too many or too few licences. If under-licensing is discovered during a Microsoft audit, this can have serious consequences. Fortunately, at Soft & Cloud you can obtain any desired and required quantity of access licences at a reasonable price. Often immediately, but within a few days at the latest.
SharePoint Server Enterprise User CAL
With an Enterprise CAL, a user or device can use the entire range of functions of SharePoint Server 2019. This includes the standard functions as well as:
- Search: In addition to the standard search functions, the search offers entity extraction, video search and recommendations.
- Enterprise solutions: Access to the Access Services and InfoPath Services integrated in SharePoint Server 2019.
- Business intelligence for everyone: Use of Power View, PerformancePoint Services, Excel Services and Visio Services.
The Enterprise CALs are additive, i.e. both a Standard CAL and an additional Enterprise CAL are required to use the Enterprise functions and modules.
SharePoint Server Enterprise Device CAL
The Enterprise Device CAL is the counterpart to the Standard Device CAL and is required, for example, to automate the Enterprise services.
Frequently asked questions and answers
What is SharePoint Server 2019?
SharePoint Server 2019 is the current on-premise version of the web platform. It enables efficient collaboration within the company (e.g. through (team) tasks and calendars) as well as the centralised management and storage of documents or other digital content. These can be easily and securely distributed and jointly edited within the company network.
What is possible with SharePoint?
Companies can set up an internal cloud with SharePoint and benefit from the advantages of centralised data storage. Information, documents and files can be provided, indexed or withdrawn quickly and easily using templates for sites and pages. This avoids redundant databases and ensures that all employees have the same level of information. SharePoint Server 2019 supports hybrid scenarios, which offers companies additional flexibility.
How long will SharePoint be around?
SharePoint Online, as part of the Microsoft 365 cloud offering, is being continuously developed by the manufacturer. The end of life date for the current on-premise version SharePoint Server 2019 is 14 July 2026. Until this date, Microsoft will continue to provide patches and updates as part of the extended support programme. Existing installations can also be used and operated beyond 14 July 2026, although this poses a security risk.
Which licence is required for SharePoint?
For legally compliant operation, a separate server licence can be purchased for each instance of SharePoint Server 2019 used. In addition, at least one Client Access Licence (CAL) is required. Furthermore, at least Windows Server 2003 (native) and a standard or enterprise edition of SQL Server for Windows (SQL Server 2016 or newer) are required, which must also be licensed on the server and client side.
What is the difference between OneDrive and SharePoint?
OneDrive is a personal cloud storage platform that can be used to securely store files and digital content online. Unlike SharePoint, however, OneDrive does not offer any collaboration options, as files cannot be shared directly with others - unlike with a central SharePoint server.
