Forum Discussion
maurodestro
Nov 04, 2024Copper Contributor
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
- kyazaferrSteel Contributor
- Simple User CAL: Not enough, because RDP is used.
- RDS CAL: Required for legal compliance and proper server operation.
- kyazaferrSteel Contributor
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- User CALs: