External users (services vendors)

Question

Hi, we have windows server 2016 per core covered all our servers, we need our external user (non employee) to be able to access our servers from out side the organization to perform some task.
please advise shall we buy RDS licenses or buy external connectors?

Answer 1

Hi,
When considering on whether RDS CAL or External connector, you shall check the user numbers and confirm the payment with your sales.

External Connector is paid by server while per user/device CAL is paid by exact number you needed.

https://download.microsoft.com/download/3/D/4/3D42BDC2-6725-4B29-B75A-A5B04179958B/Licensing-Windows-Server-2012-R2-RDS-and-Desktop-Apps-for-RDS.pdf

Reference link of similar thread.
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/35e32537-708e-4839-8e84-1b796f7dcbcf/rds-licencing-ec-vs-per-user?forum=winserverTS

Please also check with VLSC on the detailed price and explain your requirement to get a most cost-effective plan.
VLSC contact:
https://www.microsoft.com/Licensing/servicecenter/Help/Contact.aspx

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Hope this helps and please help to accept as Answer if the response is useful.

Thanks,
Jenny