Which RDS CALs 2016 license is right for me?

The Windows Server operating system licenses allow the OS to run solely on the license holder's physical server. These licenses do not authorize users or devices to connect to the server.

Separate licenses are necessary for users or devices to connect and use certain services on the server.

A User-CAL provides a license for an individual to access the server. This type of CAL is tied to the user, allowing them to connect from multiple endpoints. In contrast, a Device-CAL permits a specific device to access the server, regardless of which person is using it.

Which one fits my business?

The choice between User-CALs and Device-CALs depends on your business setup: the number of employees vs. devices and the work environment, whether employees need remote access or work from a single location.

For instance:

• If you have more devices than employees or need to connect from multiple endpoints, User-CALs are ideal.
• If there are more employees than devices, or if employees share devices in shifts, Device-CALs are more suitable.

User RDS CALs License

User RDS CALs do not enforce licensing, granting a license to each user for connecting to a Remote Desktop Session Host from any device. The license server allocates licenses from the available or overused RDS CAL pool. You must ensure all users have a valid license to avoid violating the Remote Desktop Services terms.

Typically, User RDS CALs are cost-effective for businesses with employees accessing servers from multiple devices. For example, an employee might use a desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile phone throughout the week. One User RDS CAL would cover all these devices, unlike Device RDS CALs, which would require purchasing a separate license for each device.

Device RDS CALs License

With the per-device model, a temporary license is issued when a device first connects to the Remote Desktop Session Host. Upon the second connection, provided the license server is activated and RDS CALs are available, a permanent Device RDS CAL is issued.

Device RDS CALs are beneficial when many employees use a few shared devices. Examples include a shopping center kiosk with part-time employees, a maintenance team using a shared PC, or a business with different shift teams sharing the same computers.