Selecting the Right 2012 R2 RDS CAL License for Your Needs

Licenses for the Windows Server operating system are only valid for operating the system on the physical servers owned by the licensee. They don't confer rights to connect users or devices to that system.

To permit user or device connections to the server for specific services, you must obtain additional licenses.

A User-CAL allows an individual access to the server from any number of devices, as it is linked to the user rather than the device. Conversely, a Device-CAL permits server access via a single device, benefiting multiple users of that device without individual User-CALs.

Which option fits my enterprise?

The choice largely hinges on whether your business has more employees or devices, and the nature of your workplace. It also matters whether your staff connects remotely or from fixed locations.

For instance:

• If the number of devices exceeds employees, a User-CAL would be preferable, particularly if staff need to connect from various devices.
• If there are more users than devices, opting for a Device-CAL makes sense, especially if multiple staff members use the same device at different times.

RDS CALs User License

The per-user license typically offers the best value for businesses with staff who need server access across multiple devices. Consider an employee who checks their emails from a desktop, laptop, tablet, and phone within a week. A single per-user RDS CAL would suffice, whereas a per-device approach would require four separate RDS CALs.

RDS CALs Device License

For businesses where many employees share a few computers, the per-device license is ideal. This is common in scenarios like a kiosk staffed by part-time workers, a maintenance crew sharing a computer, or a 24/7 operation with shifts sharing PCs.