How to Choose the Right RDS CALs 2016 License for Your Business Needs

The Windows Server operating system license allows the OS to run on the purchaser's physical server but does not permit users or devices to connect without additional licenses.

Separate licenses are necessary for users or devices to access the server and utilize specific services.

A User-CAL provides you with a license to access the server. This type of CAL is linked to you, allowing access from multiple endpoints. In contrast, a Device-CAL grants access to the server for a specific device, meaning users of this device do not need a User-CAL.

Which option is best for my business?

The decision depends on whether you have more employees or more devices and the work environment, such as if employees need remote access or work from a single location.

For example:

• If you have more devices than employees or need to connect from various devices, a User-CAL is ideal.
• If there are more users than devices, or multiple people share a device in the same location, a Device-CAL is more suitable.

User RDS CALs License

With a User RDS CALs license, licensing isn't enforced, and each user is granted a license to connect to a Remote Desktop Session Host from any device. The license server issues licenses from the available RDS CAL pool. It is your responsibility to ensure all users have a valid license to avoid overusing CALs, which would violate Remote Desktop Services licensing terms.

Most businesses find the User RDS CALs license to be cost-effective since employees often access servers through multiple devices. For example, an employee using a desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile in a week only requires one User RDS CAL, whereas the per-device model would necessitate purchasing four Device RDS CALs for the same access.

Device RDS CALs Licence

Under the per-device model, a temporary license is issued upon the first connection to the Remote Desktop Session Host. On the second connection, a permanent Device RDS CAL is issued if the license server is activated and there are available RDS CALs.

The Device RDS CALs license is ideal for environments where multiple employees share a limited number of computers. Examples include a kiosk in a shopping center with part-time staff, a shared PC for a maintenance team, or a business operating 24/7 with day and night shifts sharing the same PCs.