Which RDS CALs 2008 R2 license suits my needs?

The Windows Server operating system license only allows the OS to run on the physical server owned by the purchaser. It doesn’t grant legal rights for users or devices to connect to it.

To enable users or devices to access the server and utilise specific services, separate licenses must be acquired.

A User-CAL permits you to access the server. You can connect to as many endpoints as you want since the CAL is tied to you, not the device. A Device-CAL allows the device to connect to the server, so anyone using this device doesn’t require a User-CAL.

Which one fits my business?

It depends on whether you have more staff or more devices. Also, consider if your staff needs to connect from different locations or from within the same place.

For example:

• If you have fewer staff than devices, opt for User-CAL, especially if your work environment requires connecting from multiple devices to the server.
• If you have fewer devices than staff, opt for Device-CAL, particularly if your staff work in the same location but on different schedules, sharing devices.

User RDS CALs License

With a User RDS CALs license, licensing isn’t enforced. A license is granted to each user to connect to a Remote Desktop Session Host from any number of devices. The license server issues licenses from the available or overused RDS CAL pool. It’s your responsibility to ensure all users have a valid license and avoid overuse. Non-compliance infringes Remote Desktop Services licensing terms.

For most businesses, User RDS CALs are cost-effective, as employees typically access servers from multiple devices. For instance, an employee might check their email on their desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile during the week. A single User RDS CAL would cover that employee, unlike a per-device license.

Device RDS CALs License

Under the device model, a temporary license is issued when a device first connects to a Remote Desktop Session Host. The second time the device connects, assuming the license server is activated and there are available RDS CALs, the license server issues a permanent Device RDS CAL.

The Device RDS CALs License is ideal when you have many staff using a limited number of computers. Examples include: a kiosk in a shopping centre with part-time staff throughout the week, a maintenance team clocking in and out on a shared PC, or a 24/7 company with day and night shifts sharing the same PCs.