Windows Remote Desktop Services CAL
Pretty frustrated with Microsoft making things so complicated. I'm trying to build a new terminal server; because my old one is 2003. I was going to purchase RDS user CALs and decided to call Microsoft first. I was told that when I run out of CALs for users that I could reassign it to a new user if the old user leaves. Ok, so then he states I have to call Microsoft each time I need to do this.
This sounds very annoying. My old Terminal server didn't require this. I always thought it was a concurrent connection type thing. Meaning you could only have a certain amount of user connected at the same time depending on how many CALs you have. Now it sound like the server 2012 will use up a CAL automatically the first time a user logs in.
OK so then I figure a per device CAL might be a better solution, but the Problem is I already purchased extra Server 2012 User licenses (Not RDS); which is also required.
Does anyone know if this is really true or not with the info I got? I recently built a new Exchange server, and was told Microsoft licensing was now a honor system. So basically all I needed to do is make sure I had all the right CALS purchased. Is this a true Statement?
If anyone can help me understand this I'd appreciate it...
Thanks!
This sounds very annoying. My old Terminal server didn't require this. I always thought it was a concurrent connection type thing. Meaning you could only have a certain amount of user connected at the same time depending on how many CALs you have. Now it sound like the server 2012 will use up a CAL automatically the first time a user logs in.
OK so then I figure a per device CAL might be a better solution, but the Problem is I already purchased extra Server 2012 User licenses (Not RDS); which is also required.
Does anyone know if this is really true or not with the info I got? I recently built a new Exchange server, and was told Microsoft licensing was now a honor system. So basically all I needed to do is make sure I had all the right CALS purchased. Is this a true Statement?
If anyone can help me understand this I'd appreciate it...
Thanks!
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Please note that the answer below is what I have been led to understand from my reading and experience with Client Access Licensing. I am not a lawyer nor am I a Volume LIcensing Specialist from Microsoft
You are talking 3 different types of Client Access Licenses
Server - requires a CAL for each user that directly or indirectly connects to the server
Exchange - each physical user requires a CAL .. accounts like postmaster@domain.com / abuse@domain.com / administrator@domain.com do not require CALS. There are standard and enterprise CALS, Enterprise CALS are add-ons to the standard CAL.
RDP user CALS are only needed for the users that actually use RDP and require no intervention.. Keep a paper trail/log of your adding / removing users from the remote desktop users group.
Device CALS on the other hand can only be re-assigned every 90 days. (i.e. the minimum lifetime that the CAL is in effect is 90 days)
You are talking 3 different types of Client Access Licenses
Server - requires a CAL for each user that directly or indirectly connects to the server
Exchange - each physical user requires a CAL .. accounts like postmaster@domain.com / abuse@domain.com / administrator@domain.com do not require CALS. There are standard and enterprise CALS, Enterprise CALS are add-ons to the standard CAL.
RDP user CALS are only needed for the users that actually use RDP and require no intervention.. Keep a paper trail/log of your adding / removing users from the remote desktop users group.
Device CALS on the other hand can only be re-assigned every 90 days. (i.e. the minimum lifetime that the CAL is in effect is 90 days)
ASKER
This is exactly the info I was looking for! I also very much appreciated how quickly I got a response! Thank You Nick!
ASKER
Hey just a follow up question. With Office, how does the licensing work with installing it on a Terminal Server? Is it the same as with the CALs, meaning concurrent connections?
Thanks
Thanks
NO..
(a) you must install it from VL media
(b) a license is required for every user that uses it directly or indirectly
(a) you must install it from VL media
(b) a license is required for every user that uses it directly or indirectly
ASKER
Thank you Very much Nick for the Clarification!