Selecting the Appropriate RDS CALs 2019 License

Licenses for the Windows Server operating system allow the software to run on the physical server of the license owner but do not include rights for users or devices to connect to it.

To access the server and use certain services, users or devices must obtain separate licenses.

A User-CAL gives a user the right to access the server from any device, as the license is linked to the user. In contrast, a Device-CAL allows a specific device to connect to the server, and users of this device do not need a separate User-CAL.

Which License Is Right for Your Business?

Deciding between User-CAL and Device-CAL depends on whether you have more employees or devices and whether your employees need to connect from different locations or a single site.

For example:

• If you have more devices than employees, or if employees need to connect from various devices, choose User-CAL.
• If you have more employees than devices, or if employees share devices in a single location, choose Device-CAL.

User Licensing for RDS CALs

The RDS CALs User License allows users to connect to a Remote Desktop Session Host from any number of devices. It is essential to ensure that all users have a valid license to comply with Remote Desktop Services' licensing terms.

This license type is usually more cost-effective for businesses with employees who access the server from multiple devices. For example, an employee may need to connect from a desktop at the office, a laptop while traveling, and a tablet or smartphone from home.

By using a User-CAL, the employee is covered regardless of which device they use. This flexibility makes it easier to manage licenses and ensures compliance without the need for multiple device-specific licenses.

Device Licensing for RDS CALs

With the per-device model, a temporary license is issued the first time a device connects to the Remote Desktop Session Host. Upon subsequent connections, provided the licensing server is active and has available CALs, a permanent RDS device CAL is granted.

This licensing model is ideal for environments where many employees use a limited number of devices, such as shared PCs in a kiosk or a 24/7 operation. For instance, in a call center with multiple shifts, a single PC can be used by different employees at different times, reducing the need for multiple licenses.

In scenarios where devices are shared among employees, Device-CALs can be more cost-effective and simpler to manage than User-CALs, as you only need to license the devices instead of individual users.