Server Licensing and RDS licenses

Question

Hi

i am quoting for new client and would just like to know following

Do i need a Windows Server CAL as well as a RDS CAL for the same user ?

ie I have 20 users connecting to the Main Server and 10 different users connecting only via the RDS
Do i need 20 Windows Server CAL's and 10 RDS CAL's
or
30 Windows Server CALS' and 10 RDS CAL's

Thanks

Answer 1

Yes, you'll need both.

• User CALs allow a single user access to Windows Server from an unlimited number of devices
• Device CALs allow an unlimited number of users to access Windows Server from a single device

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Answer 2

Hello MikeOsborn

You only need CALs for RDS connections. The licensing type highly depends on the method of using the CALs, either Per-Computer or Per-User.

If you have different users which use the same computers you would prefer to have Per-computer type.
If you have few users that connect from random computers or devices you´d prefer Per-User.

I can share a more explanative post, with community answers in this regard: https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/08d2d14f-4f5d-4c6b-85ed-098dc45b3d5d/difference-between-usercal-and-device-cal?forum=winservergen

Also the next Microsoft information:
A Guide to Assessing Windows Server Licensing
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/about-licensing/client-access-license.aspx#tab=3

If you have questions, I would recommend confirming with Microsoft,
use the "Contact a Specialist" link on the right side of this page,

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/

Hope this helps with your query,

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