Which RDS CALs 2008 R2 license is best for me?

Windows Server operating system licenses allow the OS to run only on the physical server of the license holder. They do not grant rights for users or devices to connect to the server.

To enable users or devices to access the server and use certain services, additional licenses are required.

A User-CAL gives a license for you to access the server. You can connect to as many different endpoints as needed because the CAL is assigned to you, not the device. A Device-CAL allows the device to access the server. Individuals using this device do not need a User-CAL.

Which one fits my business?

The choice depends on whether you have more employees or more devices, and whether employees need to connect from various locations or just one.

For instance:

• If you have fewer employees than devices, go for User-CAL, especially if your workspace requires connecting from multiple devices to the server.
• If you have fewer devices than users, choose Device-CAL. This is ideal if your employees are in the same location but work different shifts, sharing the same device.

User RDS CALs License

With the user RDS CALs license, licensing is not enforced, and each user gets a license to connect to a Remote Desktop Session Host from any number of devices. The license server allocates licenses from the available or overused RDS CAL pool. It is your responsibility to ensure all users have valid licenses and avoid overuse. Non-compliance would violate Remote Desktop Services licensing terms.

For most companies, the user RDS CALs license is the most economical, as employees typically access servers through various devices. For example, an employee might access email on their desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile in a week. One user RDS CALs license would cover that employee, whereas device-based licensing would be more costly.

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 it connects, if the license server is activated and RDS CALs are available, a permanent Device RDS CAL is issued.

The Device RDS CALs License is ideal for situations where many employees share a few computers. Examples include: a kiosk in a mall with part-time employees, a maintenance team clocking in or out on a shared PC, or a company operating 24/7 with different shifts using the same PCs.