Remote Desktop Services subscriptions on CSP - Can these be used as per Device RDS CALs for Azure?

Question

A while back Microsoft announced via RDS Subscriptions Blog Post https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/news/rds-subscriptions article the ability to acquire Remote Desktop Services subscriptions on CSP.

My question is, once you obtain these RDS subscriptions from your CSP, can you use these as Per Device RDS CAL's for a workgroup 2016/2019 server in Azure?

If you don't intend deploying AD in your environment and only need a single multi-session server, is this the way to go?

I'm speaking strictly of RDS (Remote Desktop), not WVD. I think WVD forces you to go with Domain Services + AAD so only Per User RDS CALs will work if choosing Server 2019 with WVD.

Answer 1

Hello @Jonnathan Pope ,

Our product group have replied as follows:

Yes, that is correct RDS CALs are not allowed for Azure. From a licensing perspective Windows Server CALs are not required for accessing Windows Server running in the Azure environment because the access rights are included in the per-minute charge for the Virtual Machines. However access to Remote Desktop Services (RDS) will require a Windows Server RDS CAL with active Software Assurance (Extended Rights).

You can find this information in the following Azure Virtual Licensing FAQ as well as the Product Terms, regarding the Extended Rights: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/licensing-faq/

Commercial Terms: https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/terms/productoffering/WindowsServerStandardDatacenterEssentials/EAEAS

Remote Desktop Services (“RDS”) User CAL and User SL Extended Rights
Customer may use its RDS User CALs and User SLs with Windows Server software running in OSEs dedicated to its internal use on either Microsoft Azure Services or the shared or dedicated servers of a License Mobility through Software Assurance Partner for which it has completed and submitted the License Mobility verification form. Other than administrative access by Customer’s License Mobility through Software Assurance Partner, no other party may access the OSE(s). For any CAL or User SL Customer has used in this manner, it may later move to Microsoft Azure Services or a new License Mobility through Software Assurance Partner, but not sooner than 90 days after it initiated use in the environment it is leaving.

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Answer 2

Hello @Jonnathan Pope ,

1.We have made it easier to manage licenses for your employees by bringing the ability for the RD Licensing servers to update RDS user Client Access Licenses (CALs) into AD objects without accessing AD directly. With RDS Subscriptions, partners can directly sell RDS subscriptions through our CSP program, eliminating the extra step of customers and partners acquiring different licenses through various programs. 
Remote Desktop Services 2019 generally available with Windows Server 2019: https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/windowsserver/2018/10/03/remote-desktop-services-2019-generally-available-with-windows-server-2019/

2.For Windows Virtual Desktop, access Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 7 Enterprise desktops and apps at no additional cost if you have an eligible Windows or Microsoft 365 licence; You are eligible to access Windows Server 2012 R2 and newer desktops and apps if you have a per-user or per-device RDS CAL licence with active Software Assurance (SA). Windows Virtual Desktop pricing: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/pricing/details/virtual-desktop/

3.Windows Server CALs are not required for accessing Windows Server running in the Azure environment because the access rights are included in the per-minute charge for the Virtual Machines. Virtual Machines licensing FAQ: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/licensing-faq/

4.Seamlessly deploy RDS with ARM and Azure Marketplace: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/rds-in-azure
RDS Licensing on Azure: https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/d3e3c6ec-1828-4b32-9a08-b493fa7fb0c0/rds-licensing-on-azure?forum=windowsazurepurchasing
Azure RDS licenses: https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/9332f5d7-2927-4723-bcc9-d124dd7750eb/azure-rds-licenses?forum=windowsazurepurchasing
RDS on windows server 2016 on Azure without domain: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/226035/rds-on-windows-server-2016-on-azure-without-domain.html

Best regards,
Leila

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Answer 3

@Leila Kong

After reading the various articles/threads you posted (Thanks), they don't make it clear but it looks like Microsoft does not allow one to use per-Device RDS CALs for Azure servers and forces you to implement AD or Domain Services at extra cost and complexity. Is this correct?

Answer 4

Hello @Jonnathan Pope ,

I am making further confirmation with our internal product team about licensing related questions, to get official answers with regards to product terms.
Thanks for your precious time!

Answer 5

Hello @Jonnathan Pope ,

Thanks for your waiting. I haven't received feedback from internal team yet. If this problem is more urgent for you, we still recommend that you open a case to Microsoft for further professional help: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4341255/support-for-busines