Suggestions for setup of a terminal server to allow 5-20 users to access a virtual application on multiple devices.

I support a small group of about 15 users who access a terminal application like Accuterm. Installing the actual application on devices is problematic due to constant emulation problems. I want to share out the app on a server 2012 Gateway using RemoteApp so that they can access the application on their internal PC's and Macs and remotely on laptops, tablets and phones. Accessed in a virtual window, the application can be scaled without emulation problems. The problem is the per-user licensing cost. I've also looked at Parallels application server. Any suggestions on a solution without heavy licensing costs?

Thank you
Michael GrayAsked:
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David Johnson, CD, MVPOwnerCommented:
The problem is the per-user licensing cost. I've also looked at Parallels application server. Any suggestions on a solution without heavy licensing costs? Here at EE we are forbidden to post hacks or other items that would violate another companies terms of service, licensing requirements. The enterprise edition @ $995  is the only way that I can see to reduce your costs. That or use another program.
Philip ElderTechnical Architect - HA/Compute/StorageCommented:
We have 2012 R2 RDSH providing both desktop, RDWeb, RemoteApp, via RD Gateway with the solution set being device agnostic.

iPads tend to behave like mousing through Jell-O but for the most part it just works.

For a small organization look at licensing via Open Value Agreement. This is a three year agreement that offers the ability to spread the payments across the initial and two anniversary ones.

IMNSHO RDS and its licensing costs, Windows Server license and CALs plus the RDS CALs, are relatively inexpensive compared to the overall benefits received. It's a value proposition and should be presented that way.
Michael GrayAuthor Commented:
I see how the Parallels product has more features than MS 2012 Servers offering, but I'm still not clear on the required licenses. I already have the Server 2012 license, but I would need CAL's for each specific user of MS RemoteApp. lt appears that with Parallels, I would need the MS CAL's and also the Parallels licenses. Am I understanding this correctly?
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Philip ElderTechnical Architect - HA/Compute/StorageCommented:
Parallels is a virtualization platform. If you are running Windows Server on a Mac with RDSH and RemoteApps being deployed to users licensing obligations remain the same.
David Johnson, CD, MVPOwnerCommented:
Parallels RAS for 15 users will be $1,125 + your microsoft user cals (not RDP cals). This still does not mitigate the software that you want to run licensing obligation since it is licensed per user and that is what you want to minimize (Am I reading your question correctly?)  you will still need 15 licenses for the application you want to run.
Michael GrayAuthor Commented:
I already have a 40 seat license for the software that I want to virtualize so that won't be an issue.

Let's say I don't go with Parallels and use only RemoteApp on my server 2012 for 15 users, I would need 15 Windows server CAL's and 15 RDS CAL's. Correct?
Philip ElderTechnical Architect - HA/Compute/StorageCommented:
Correct, plus your Windows Server license.

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