Forum Discussion
Licensing required to offer a remote application (only) through WVD
Hello BarryBahrami,
Access desktops powered by Windows Server Remote Desktop Services desktops and apps at no additional cost if you are an eligible Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access License (CAL) customer.
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).
For the Windows Server there are two options:
- License with the subscription within Azure (pay as you go, most expensive option)
- Use Azure Hybrid Benefits for Windows Server Core Licenses covered with Software Assurance and save on Azure costs
Besides the above, with the use of Windows Server an organization will also have to license Remote Desktop Services. This can be done in multiple ways:
- Users licensed with Windows Server RDS User CALs covered with Software Assurance
- RDS User Subscription Licenses through the https://www.quexcel.com/software/licenses-and-cloud-subscriptions/
- Devices licensed with Windows Server RDS Device CALs covered with Software Assurance
Besides the right to access the virtual Windows Server on Azure, any use of Office applications on the virtual desktop have to be licensed via a qualifying Office 365 subscription or Office Professional Plus or Office Standard license with network use rights.