Determining the Optimal RDS CALs 2019 Licence: User vs Device

Windows Server licences permit the OS to run only on the purchaser's physical server. They do not include legal rights for users or devices to connect.

Separate licences are required for users or devices to access the server and its services.

A User-CAL allows you to access the server. You can use multiple endpoints since the CAL is assigned to you, not the device. A Device-CAL allows the endpoint device to access the server, and people using this device do not need a User-CAL.

Which one suits my business?

Consider whether you have more employees or devices and whether employees need to connect remotely or from a single location.

For instance:

• If you have fewer employees than devices, or need to connect from various devices, choose User-CAL. This option is ideal if your workspace involves connecting from different devices.
• If you have fewer devices than users, or if employees share devices at a single location, choose Device-CAL. This is best if multiple people use the same device on different schedules.

RDS CALs User Licence

The RDS CALs user licence does not enforce licensing but grants a licence for each user to connect to a Remote Desktop Session Host from any device. The licensing server issues licences from the available or overused RDS CAL pool. You must ensure all users have a valid licence and avoid overuse to comply with licensing terms.

For most businesses, the RDS CALs user licence is cost-effective as employees often access servers through multiple devices. For example, an employee might use a desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile. One RDS CALs user licence covers this, but a per-device model would require four RDS CALs device licences for those devices.

RDS CALs Device Licence

In the per-device model, a temporary licence is issued the first time a device connects to the Remote Desktop Session Host. On the second connection, as long as the licensing server is active and RDS CALs are available, a permanent RDS device CAL is issued.

The RDS CALs Device Licence is ideal for businesses with many employees using a limited number of computers. Examples include: kiosks with part-time employees, maintenance teams sharing a PC, or businesses with 24/7 shifts using the same PCs.