Microsoft Server 2016 RDS (USER) 50 CALS

Microsoft Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) 50 User Client Access Licenses (CALs) are designed to enable businesses to provide remote desktop access to their employees or users. Here’s a detailed overview:

What are RDS CALs?

• RDS CALs (Client Access Licenses): A Remote Desktop Services CAL is required for each user or device that connects to the Windows Server to access desktop or application resources remotely. The CAL ensures compliance with licensing policies when using the Remote Desktop functionality.

Types of RDS CALs:

• User CALs: These are assigned to individual users, meaning the license is tied to the user, not the device. A user can connect from any device (PC, tablet, smartphone) as long as they are authorized to access the server resources.
• Device CALs: These are tied to specific devices rather than users. A device CAL allows multiple users to access the server from a specific device.

Features of RDS in Windows Server 2016:

1. Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH): Allows users to remotely access desktops or applications hosted on the server.
2. Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway): Provides secure access to remote desktops and applications over the internet by encapsulating RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) traffic within HTTPS.
3. Remote Desktop Web Access (RD Web Access): Allows users to access RemoteApp programs and desktops from a web browser.
4. Remote Desktop Licensing (RD Licensing): Manages the licenses for RDS deployments, ensuring that the number of CALs purchased matches the number of users or devices that connect to the server.
5. Remote Desktop Connection Broker (RD Connection Broker): Balances the load among RDSH servers, ensuring users are connected to the most appropriate server based on availability and load.
6. Remote Desktop Virtualization Host (RD Virtualization Host): Enables virtual desktops to be hosted on a server and accessed remotely.

How RDS CALs Work:

• User-based Licensing: With User CALs, each user who accesses the server remotely requires a CAL. The number of CALs should correspond to the number of users who will be accessing the server, not the number of devices they use. This is particularly useful in environments where users may need to connect from multiple devices.
• Deployment: RDS CALs are activated via the Remote Desktop Licensing Server and need to be configured and managed in your RDS deployment.

Use Cases:

• Remote Work: Users need secure access to company resources from anywhere, using any device.
• Hosted Applications: Remote desktop services are commonly used to provide access to corporate applications hosted on the server.
• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI): RDS can be combined with VDI to deliver fully virtualized desktops to end-users.

Licensing Terms:

• 50 User CALs: The specific license in this case is for 50 users. This means the organization can provide remote desktop access to 50 unique users.
• License Management: The CALs need to be tracked, and it’s important to ensure that only the licensed number of users or devices are accessing the server to stay compliant with Microsoft’s licensing terms.

Pricing:

The cost of RDS CALs can vary depending on the reseller and whether you’re purchasing User CALs, Device CALs, or a combination of both. As Microsoft typically sells these licenses through authorized resellers, prices may fluctuate based on volume, region, and licensing agreements.

Benefits:

• Scalability: It can scale easily by adding more CALs as your organization grows.
• Flexibility: User CALs provide flexibility, allowing users to access their resources from different devices.
• Security: RDS offers secure access to applications and desktops, making it suitable for businesses with remote work needs.

How to Purchase:

RDS CALs are generally sold in packs of 5 or 10, with the 50 CAL pack being a middle range for many small to medium-sized businesses. You can purchase them through Microsoft’s official licensing portals or through authorized Microsoft resellers.

In summary, Microsoft Server 2016 RDS 50 User CALs provide a robust and scalable solution for organizations needing to offer remote access to users, with each CAL corresponding to a single user.