<p>I need to purchase SQL Server 2008 Standard edition, because it's features fit what I need. On the features page, it says it can handle 32,767 user connections, but how does that connect with CALs?</p>

<p>What are CALs and how can they affect a project?</p>

A CAL is a client access license.
SQL Server 2008 has 3 licensing models (explained
here
):
Processor Licensing Model
Server Plus Device CALs Licensing Model
Server Plus User CALs Licensing Model
You try and select the cheapest model that meets your requirements.
From this
page
:
Q: What is the difference between device client access licenses (CALs) and user CALs?
A. A device CAL allows any number of users to gain access to licensed server software from a particular device. A user CAL lets a particular user gain access to licensed server software from any number of devices. In other words, a user CAL covers a particular user's access to the server software from work computers and laptops, as well as from home computers, handheld computers, Internet kiosks, and other devices. A device CAL covers access by multiple users to server software from a single, shared device.