<div>
<div class="content wysiwyg-content">
I am looking to spin up a Remote Desktop Services server in my home lab (Non-Business related) and I have never purchased CALs before. To my understanding I need to purchase a minimum of 5. What I am unsure of is which type of CAL do I need? I'm looking at Open Licensing but it looks like I have to fit a certain profile. I also saw this one: Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop Services - License - 1 user CAL - MOLP: Open Business - Win - Single Language, but I am not sure that I fit. Also, do I need to purchase a new CAL every year or once I install it is it permanent?
</div>
</div>


I am looking to spin up a Remote Desktop Services server in my home lab (Non-Business related) and I have never purchased CALs before. To my understanding I need to purchase a minimum of 5. What I am unsure of is which type of CAL do I need? I'm looking at Open Licensing but it looks like I have to fit a certain profile. I also saw this one: Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop Services - License - 1 user CAL - MOLP: Open Business - Win - Single Language, but I am not sure that I fit. Also, do I need to purchase a new CAL every year or once I install it is it permanent?

Microsoft CALs for home use

The Microsoft Legacy Operating System topic includes legacy versions of Microsoft operating systems prior to Windows 2000: All versions of MS-DOS and other versions developed for specific manufacturers and Windows 3/3.1, Windows 95 and Windows 98, plus any other Windows-related versions, and Windows Mobile.

Microsoft Legacy OS

Microsoft server applications are those applications developed specifically, but not necessarily exclusively, on the Windows Server platform. In addition to well-known products like SQL Server, Exchange, Internet Information Services (IIS), Microsoft Dynamics, Forefront, Lync and Sharepoint, they include applications like Skype, BizTalk, Hyper-V, Groove and Commerce Server. Server applications are managed with the Microsoft System Center.