RDS CALs 2012 R2: Finding the Right License for You

Licences for the Windows Server operating system are only for running the OS on the physical server of the licence owner. They don't provide legal rights for users or devices to connect to it.

To allow users or devices to access the server and use certain services, you need separate licences.

A User-CAL permits you to access the server. You can connect to multiple endpoints since the CAL is assigned to you, not the device. A Device-CAL is for the device to access the server. Users of this device don't require a User-CAL.

Which one suits my business?

This depends on whether you have more employees or devices. It also hinges on your work environment, like if employees need to connect from outside the office or from a single location.

For instance:

• If you have fewer employees than devices, opt for User-CAL, or if your workspace requires connecting to the server from different devices, this is the best option.
• If you have fewer devices than users, go for Device-CAL, or if your employees are in the same place but have different shifts and many people use the same device, this is the best choice.

RDS CALs User Licence

For most businesses, the RDS CALs per user licence is the most cost-effective since employees generally access servers through multiple devices. Consider an employee who checks their email on a desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile during a typical week. One RDS CALs per user licence covers that employee, but with per device, you’d need to buy 4 RDS CALs per device licences for all four devices to access the server.

RDS CALs Device Licence

With the per-device model, a temporary licence is issued when a device first connects to the Remote Desktop Session Host. The second time it connects, if the licensing server is activated and RDS CALs are available, a permanent RDS Device-CAL is issued by the licensing server.

The RDS CALs per Device licence is ideal when many employees use a few computers. Examples include: a kiosk in a mall with part-time employees, a maintenance team using a shared PC to clock in or out, or a 24/7 business with different shifts using the same PCs.