Choosing the Right RDS CALs 2008 R2 License for Your Needs

Licenses for the Windows Server operating system only permit the system to function on the physical server owned by the licensee. These licenses do not authorize users or devices to connect to the server.

To enable users or devices to access the server and utilize specific services, you must acquire separate licenses.

A User-CAL provides a license for a user to access the server. This license allows you to connect to multiple endpoints, as it is associated with you, not the device. A Device-CAL is for the device to access the server. Users of this device do not require a User-CAL.

Which one suits my business?

The choice depends on whether you have more employees or more devices and the work environment, such as whether employees need remote access or work onsite.

For example:

• If you have more devices than employees, opt for User-CAL, especially if your workplace necessitates server access from multiple devices.
• If you have more users than devices, opt for Device-CAL, particularly if employees are on-site and share devices across different shifts.

User RDS CALs License

With a User RDS CAL, licensing is not enforced, and a license is assigned to each user for connecting to a Remote Desktop Session Host from various devices. The license server distributes licenses from the available RDS CAL pool or the overused RDS CAL pool. It is your responsibility to ensure all users have valid licenses to avoid infringing Remote Desktop Services licensing terms.

For most businesses, a User RDS CAL is the most economical option, as employees typically access servers through multiple devices. Imagine an employee checking their email on a desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile phone throughout the week. A single User RDS CAL would cover that employee, whereas a per-device license would be insufficient.

Device RDS CALs License

Under the device model, a temporary license is issued when a device first connects to a Remote Desktop Session Host. Upon the second connection, provided the license server is active and RDS CALs are available, a permanent Device RDS CAL is issued.

The Device RDS CAL is ideal for environments where many employees use a limited number of computers. Examples include a shopping centre kiosk with part-time employees, a maintenance team sharing a PC to clock in or out, or a 24/7 operation with day and night shifts using the same PCs.