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Thanks for the fast replies. Our goal is to connect via VPN (cisco AnyConnect) through the firewall (Cisco ASA) to the local network and then use a remote desktop connection to the RDS server. <br />
<br />
We already purchased 5 RDS user cals. I just finished speaking with the project manager. And he has agreed to let me use the server as a domain controller with active directory and RDS, but no DHCP. He want's to use the firewall for all DHCP. Apparently there are a few vlans for access points that he doesn't want to reconfigure.<br />
<br />
Any advice for an RDS server with no DHCP?<br />
<br />
Thank you.
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Cliff,<br />
<br />
I have heard that it is not a good idea to run RDS on a DC. How does the virtualization help? Which scope options should I be aware of?<br />
<br />
Thanks.
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Way too much to cover in a post. Specifics I can help with, but these are entire books worth of knowledge types of questions. You should probably call in a consultant at this point.
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Cliff,<br />
<br />
I understand. I was just curios about the virtualization. There is a lot of information online.
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Without explaining a great deal, In Server 2012, Microsoft grants you TWO licensed VMs on a Windows Server 2012 host PROVIDED the host ONLY does Hyper-V and directly related support services (like backup). &nbsp;Because your SINGLE 2012 license can have two 2012 VMs, one VM is your DC and one VM is your RDS server - thus you keep RDS OFF the DC and there are no additional licennsing costs.
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Hello Sir, Cliff Galiher is correct the illusion of savings by reducing labor and hardware costs will probably &nbsp;never materialize. &nbsp;Is the goal to have 5 QB users work from remote offices? &nbsp;If so I would build a HPE ML110 GEN9 Hexa core w/mid line SATA drives to keep the cost down. &nbsp;add the Hyper-V role provision one &nbsp;2012 R2 VM as a DC and 4 w 8.1 pro VM's. &nbsp;OK so once we have a DC to control access, and 4 Tight VM's for QB all you need to do is add the windows essentials experience to the 2012 r2 VM after your promo and you can utilize the 25 User CALs Microsoft is authorizing for that server. &nbsp;There is a very handy remote access GUI/Wizard, I would use the windows server vpn software that is standard with the essentials role enabled. Also Essentials comes with a very user friendly VSS backup utility for the whole network. Pretty cool right? <br />
That should get you started Good luck.
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Running multiple 8.1 (or any client OS) VMs on hyper-v is known as VDI and has special licensing requirements. Additionally, the 25 user count are not CALs, and they are only available with the Essentials purchased product license. They are NOT included with the essentials experience role. This is a good example of why licensing advice from online sources should be viewed with skepticism. Working with a Microsoft Licensing helpdesk or partner is always recommended or you can end up in very real legal hot water.
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I apologize for the error in regards to the licensing. &nbsp;that was my mistake. &nbsp; I was aware of the RD Licensing requirements but I did not realize traditional desktop licensing was in violation of the EULA. I have been a MS partner for over 12 years I take licensing very seriously and perhaps I was to anxious to cobble a solution rather than recommend a text book setup.<br />
&nbsp; _good day
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<div class="content wysiwyg-content">
Hello,<br />
<br />
I have been asked to installed RDS on a Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard that is currently installed on a workgroup without a domain (no active directory). DHCP will be managed by the firewall. The only thing the server has to do is run QuickBooks and allow simultaneous connections (up to five) from the local inside network. Can I use RDS user CALs, or do I have to use device CALs?<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Here is what I have found so far: <a href="http://ryanmangansitblog.com/2013/10/30/deploying-a-rdsh-server-in-a-workgroup-rds-2012-r2/" rel="ugc">http://ryanmangansitblog.c<wbr />om</a><br />
<br />
1) This is possible.<br />
2) I need device CALs.<br />
<br />
Have you done this? Are there any common pitfalls? How was your experience? Would you do it again, or would you not recommended? Why?<br />
<br />
Thank you!
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Hello,

I have been asked to installed RDS on a Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard that is currently installed on a workgroup without a domain (no active directory). DHCP will be managed by the firewall. The only thing the server has to do is run QuickBooks and allow simultaneous connections (up to five) from the local inside network. Can I use RDS user CALs, or do I have to use device CALs?
 
Here is what I have found so far: http://ryanmangansitblog.com (http://ryanmangansitblog.com/2013/10/30/deploying-a-rdsh-server-in-a-workgroup-rds-2012-r2/)

1) This is possible.
2) I need device CALs.

Have you done this? Are there any common pitfalls? How was your experience? Would you do it again, or would you not recommended? Why?

Thank you!

Remote Desktop Services on a workgroup without Active Directory

Windows Server 2012 is the server version of Windows 8 and the successor to Windows Server 2008 R2. Windows Server 2012 is the first version of Windows Server to have no support for Itanium-based computers since Windows NT 4.0. Windows Server 2012, now in its second release (Windows Server 2012 Release 2) includes Foundation, Essentials, Standard and Datacenter, and does not support IA-32 or IA-64 processors.

Windows Server 2012

Active Directory (AD) is a Microsoft brand for identity-related capabilities. In the on-premises world, Windows Server AD provides a set of identity capabilities and services, and is hugely popular (88% of Fortune 1000 and 95% of enterprises use AD). This topic includes all things Active Directory including DNS, Group Policy, DFS, troubleshooting, ADFS, and all other topics under the Microsoft AD and identity umbrella.