Selecting the Correct 2012 R2 RDS CAL Licence for Your Needs

Windows Server operating system licences are solely for running the OS on the licence holder's physical server. They do not grant legal rights for users or devices to connect to it.

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

A User-CAL provides a licence for the user to access the server. The user can connect through multiple devices since the CAL is tied to the individual, not the device. Conversely, a Device-CAL allows the device itself to access the server, and anyone using that device doesn't need a User-CAL.

Which one suits my business?

The choice depends on whether you have more employees or devices, and the working environment, whether connections are made from different locations or from a single place.

For instance:

• If you have fewer employees than devices, opt for User-CAL, or if your setup requires connecting to the server from various devices, this is the optimal choice.
• If you have fewer devices than users, opt for Device-CAL, or if employees are in the same location but work different shifts using the same device, this is the best option.

RDS CALs User Licence

For most businesses, the RDS CALs per user licence is more cost-effective, as employees typically access servers via multiple devices. Consider an employee who uses their desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile throughout the week. One RDS CALs per user licence would suffice for that employee, whereas using per device would necessitate purchasing 4 RDS CALs per device licences for all four devices.

RDS CALs Device Licence

Under 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, provided the licensing server is activated and RDS CALs are available, a permanent RDS Device-CAL is issued.

The RDS CALs per Device licence is ideal for scenarios where many employees use a limited number of computers. Examples include: a shopping centre kiosk with part-time staff rotating throughout the week, a maintenance team sharing a PC to log in and out, or a 24/7 operation with day and night shifts using the same PCs.