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maurodestro's avatar
maurodestro
Copper Contributor
Nov 04, 2024

User CAL or RDS CAL for this kind of access?

My client need a VM with Windows Server 2022 installed. I've tell him to provide a Windows Server 2022 Standard 16 core installation but i'm confused with CAL license.

The VM will start with an autologon on a user and then my customer will connect via RDP to that session (same user that starts in autologon) to manage the installed application (a SCADA automation software).
Do I require a RDP CAL or a simple USER CAL?

 

Thanks

  • kyazaferr's avatar
    kyazaferr
    Steel Contributor
    • Simple User CAL: Not enough, because RDP is used.
    • RDS CAL: Required for legal compliance and proper server operation.
  • kyazaferr's avatar
    kyazaferr
    Steel Contributor
    1. User CALs:
      • A User CAL (Client Access License) permits a user to access services on the server, such as file sharing or using server-hosted applications.
      • If your client is only using the server locally or via standard user authentication mechanisms, and no Remote Desktop Services (RDS) roles are installed or used, a User CAL is sufficient.
    2. RDS CALs:
      • RDS CALs (Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses) are mandatory if a user is using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to access the server remotely, particularly when connecting to an active RDS session.
      • Even though the same user is connecting to the session started via autologon, the RDP connection falls under the use of RDS, which requires an RDS CAL.

    Your Scenario

    • The server auto-logs in with a user account to run a SCADA automation software.
    • The client connects to the same session via RDP to manage the application.

    Since RDP is being used, RDS CALs are required, even if it is a single user accessing the server.

    Solution

    1. Licensing Requirement:
      • Purchase Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs for the user(s) accessing the server via RDP.
      • Ensure that the base User CALs or Device CALs are also in place for general server access.
    2. Justification:
      • By design, Windows Server requires RDS CALs whenever RDP is used to access the server, except in administrative mode (restricted to 2 simultaneous admin users, which is not your case here).
    3. Implementation Steps:
      • Install the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) role on the server.
      • Configure and activate the RDS Licensing Server.
      • Assign the purchased RDS CALs to the appropriate user or device.

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