Choosing the Right RDS CALs 2022 Licence for Your Needs

Windows Server licenses only authorize the operation of the OS on the licensee’s physical server. They do not include rights for users or devices to establish connections to the server.

To enable user or device access to the server and utilize certain services, additional licenses must be obtained.

A User-CAL provides you with a license to connect to the server. This allows access from multiple devices as the license is assigned to the user, not the device. Conversely, a Device-CAL licenses a specific device for server access. Users of this device do not require individual User-CALs.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Business

The choice depends on your ratio of employees to devices and the nature of your workplace, such as whether employees need remote access or operate from a single location.

For instance:

• If your number of employees is less than the number of devices, or if your work setting necessitates connection from various devices, User-CAL would be the optimal choice.
• If there are more users than devices, or if multiple employees use the same device in different shifts at the same location, Device-CAL would be more appropriate.

User RDS CALs License

Under a User RDS CALs license, licensing isn’t strictly enforced, permitting any user to connect to a Remote Desktop Session Host from any device. The licensing server allocates licenses from the available RDS CAL pool or the overused pool as needed. It is essential to ensure each user is properly licensed to avoid breaching Remote Desktop Services licensing terms.

For many businesses, the User RDS CALs license proves cost-effective, particularly for employees who access servers from multiple devices. For example, an employee might access their email on a desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile throughout the week; a single User RDS CALs license would cover all these connections rather than requiring separate licenses for each device.

Device RDS CALs License

In the device model, a temporary license is granted when a device first connects to a Remote Desktop Session Host. On subsequent connections, assuming the licensing server is active and RDS CALs are available, a permanent Device RDS CAL is issued.

This model is advantageous for operations with high employee turnover using a small number of computers, such as kiosks or shared PCs used by multiple shifts.