This division into two license types means on the one hand that they are not variable, on the other hand they cannot be subsequently transferred to another end device or another user after allocation.
The Client Access License is a usage authorization that is either valid for a very specific end device that is Windows and has access to the Internet, or for a very specific user. What types of CALs are available for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services? With a CAL for the Remote Desktop Services 2008 cannot use version 2012 or higher, it is therefore possible to use the next higher version 2008 R2, although this is a separate release despite the similar designation. The reverse is not possible, with one exception: While you can use
For example, with a 2019 Remote Desktop Services 2019 Client Access License, you can also use 2016 or 2010 versions, provided that the corresponding server software is implemented. This is also referred to as backward compatibility or downgrade. What does version compatibility of CALs for Remote Desktop Services mean?Įach CAL primarily applies to a particular version of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, but it also includes the right to use an older version of the same software, provided the server is available. The Remote Desktop Services are only about providing the server services remotely as such. While some other Windows Server software has different CALs for each edition-usually a Standard and a Business edition-this difference does not exist for client access licenses for RDS. Are there different CALs for different editions of Windows Server? Usually this license combination is also called server/CAL licensing. The CALs themselves do not contain any of the typical functions of a software, so that they themselves do not have to be installed. The prerequisite for client-based access is always the previous implementation of a server license of the same software. It is not without reason that Microsoft speaks of activation by means of a license key, since this activates not only the server access but also the defined services. These receive differentiated rights of use for the Remote Desktop Services via so-called Client Access Licenses. Microsoft's license management basically separates between the licensing of a server that provides services and programs and the licensing of the users who use them.
What are the terms of the Microsoft licensing model with CALs? There are also options for CAL-based licensing, which are discussed in the following FAQs. The Remote Desktop Serviceswhich control remote access to Microsoft server-based functions and programs, are only available via client access licenses - unlike other server programs, which can also be available in a core-based form depending on the edition. FAQs about licensing Microsoft Remote Desktop Services with CALs All CALs required for correct licensing for your Remote Desktop Services can be found in the Wiresoft online shop - including the corresponding server licenses - from the still widely used 2008 version to the current 2019 version. With the following FAQs, Wiresoft answers the most frequently asked questions and explains the options available to you with client-based licensing for RDS. The Microsoft licensing model for the various server software and access to the respective available services and functions is a complex and sometimes confusing matter: Each software is often available in different editions in the respective versions, the use of which is in turn regulated by so-called access licenses.įor buyers the correct licensing of the Remote Desktop Services for Windows servers often become a challenge. It's easy: Licence Remote Desktop Services with CALs from Wiresoft The exact terms and conditions are governed by the Microsoft licensing model.Ĭlient access licenses for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Client access licenses for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services In addition, they simplify user administration by providing centralized software deployment, including updates.Įach user requires a client access license - CAL - as a prerequisite to use Remote Desktop Services with all of its available functions. The RDS thus offer the advantage that older, less powerful computers - called ThinClient or ZeroClient - can also be used, because the stronger performance of the server is available.
Together, these enable remote access via a PC or other terminal device to all corresponding Windows programs accessible on a server, including the graphical desktops, without having to install them locally. They consist of the following components: The Remote Desktop Services from Microsoft - formerly known as Terminal Services - are used for client-based remote access to server services. Client access licenses for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services