Why are CALs for Windows RDS 2008 R2 still so popular?
Many organizations continue to run Windows Server 2008 as the operating system, often in conjunction with Windows 7 on the PCs connected to it. The reason is often that the older network still meets all requirements and upgrading to a newer version or a completely new server network is unnecessary or too expensive.
Here, CALs for Terminal Services 2008 or for Remote Desktop Services 2008 R2 are a sensible and at the same time inexpensive solution, especially since newer versions of RDS also place higher demands on the corresponding hardware.
Terminal Server Services of Windows Server 2008 - what has changed?
Windows Server 2008 R2 is - contrary to the name suggests - not an optimized version of Server 2008, but an independent server system software, because it is also based on a new version of the Windows operating system. Accordingly, Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services for the remote-controlled or remote use of Windows also represent a small revolution, whereby, in addition to a number of new features, all basic Terminal Services functions are also included in the Remote Desktop Services of the subsequent version.
This caesura is also made clear by the renaming of the central functions by replacing the term "terminal" with the term "remote". Not only were the former Terminal Services (TS) renamed as such for Release 2 in Remote Desktop Services but also its individual components: the Terminal Services RemoteApp is now called RemoteApp only, the Terminal Services Gateway becomes Remote Desktop Gateway and the Terminal Services Session Broker is now called Remote Desktop Connection Broker.
Benefits of CALs for Windows RDS 2008 R2
The main goal of Windows Remote Desktop Services is to enable users to use typical Windows applications on different end devices (clients), regardless of the underlying operating system. The used Windows program itself always runs on the Remote Desktop Server, to which the user is connected via CAL using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
The terminal server thus provides all programs and these are also executed on it. Thus, instead of a Windows, a user only needs a simple computer - also called ThinClient or ZeroClient, which only needs to be able to connect to the Terminal Server and log on there, as well as a client access license. The computing power of the server is available at all workstations, so that the performance of the actual workstations is not important.
Through the Remote Desktop Services administrators in particular also benefit from many advantages: In addition to the centralized management of operating system images, which makes it possible to provide individual services, this also includes significantly easier maintenance, since updates and additional software programs do not have to be installed on all end devices.
This also increases security in the company if users can only use the services provided remotely. Last but not least, the RDS for Windows Server 2008 R2 also reduces operating costs, as older models can continue to be used instead of new, expensive computers.
What's New and Enhanced in Windows Remote Desktop Services 2008 R2
While Terminal Services in Windows Server 2008 has already been significantly enhanced by the RemoteApp, TS Web Access and TS Gateway components, Remote Desktop Services 2008 R2 focuses on desktop virtualization, which is playing an increasingly important role in enterprises.
Existing Terminal Services tools have already been optimized in Version 2008 R2, but above all, new functions have been added: The new Virtual Desktop Infrastructure scenarios are also provided via RDS.
By assigning virtual IP addresses, each session in the network can now be clearly defined. Another new feature is the ability to make desktops available to users in a virtual environment via Hyper-V.
All components of Windows RDS 2008 R2 at a glance
The following features and tools together form Remote Desktop Services version 2008 R2:
- Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) provides session-based access to the respective desktops or RemoteApp programs for users who own a CAL.
- Remote Desktop Connection Broker (RDCB) connects a user's remote desktop to the respective server in an enterprise. In the event of an interruption, the Connection Broker reconnects the user to his original session, while retaining the programs running during the session.
- Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway) connects to virtual desktops and RemoteApp programs over the Internet.
- Remote Desktop Virtualization Host (RDVH) supports virtual desktops in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environments.
- Remote Desktop Web Access (RDWA) enables access to applications via the Windows 7 or Windows 8 Start menu.
- Remote Desktop Licensing (RDS-CAL) manages the licenses for RDS deployment.
Why are CALs required for Remote Desktop Services?
In order to use the Terminal Services of Windows 2008 or the Remote Desktop Services of Windows Server 2008 R2, you need a client access license - this is available as either a User CAL or Device CAL.
Windows Server operating systems usually contain only two remote access rights for administrators. These are only used to manage the server and provide services, they may not be used to access the actual Remote Desktop Services as a user within a session. These CALs must be purchased separately: for individual users or for the end device with which they are accessed. The above mentioned Remote Desktop Licensing RDS-CAL controls the correct licensing.
Licensing of RDS 2008 / R2 with User and Device CALs
As indicated above, there are two different types of client access licenses available for using Windows Remote Desktop Services 2008 and 2008 R2: User CALs and Device CALs. The difference between the two types is that User CAL licenses a single user and Device CAL licenses a single device.
Please note that a subsequent transfer of the access license to another User or Device is not allowed, and that any other use of the two license types - User CAL as Device CAL and vice versa - is not possible.
User CAL for RDS 2008 R2
A User CAL entitles a single specific user to use the RDS, regardless of the terminal device used to do so. The User CAL also works regardless of where the user is located - whether on a desktop PC in the office, or whether remote access is via a notebook in the home office or on the road.
Device CAL for RDS 2008 R2
A Device CAL is permanently bound to a specific end device, regardless of whether it is a desktop PC in the office or a notebook etc. This means that any user who is authorized to use this licensed end device can also access Remote Desktop Services via it.
Important note on the combination of Device CALs and User CALs
While the combination of user and device CALs is not a problem with CALs for Windows Server CALs, it is technically not easy to implement with CALs for Remote Desktop Services. This is mainly due to the fact that an RDS Device CAL is physically assigned to the end device, whereas a User CAL is assigned to a user in the Active Directory.
Version Compatibility of CALs for RDS 2008 and 2008 R2
As mentioned earlier, Windows Server 2008 R2 is a standalone version of the Microsoft Server system software. While other Microsoft server software does not allow you to use a particular version with a Client Access License for a lower version (upgrade), you can also access Remote Desktop Services version 2008 R2 with a CAL for RDS 2008. For further information please also visit the Wiresoft Chat.
Complete your Remote Desktop Services 2008 and 2008 R2 CAL needs with Wiresoft
With the practical single licenses for user and device CALs for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2008 R2 as well as the version 2008 at Wiresoft, you can profit from our particularly favourable end prices. Because all Microsoft products offered in the Wiresoft online shop are original software licenses from the European area, which we have officially acquired from companies. They are thereby unused and also fully operational and were checked by Wiresoft exactly for their authenticity.
Many customers already appreciate the advantage of buying CALs for Remote Desktop Services from Wiresoft. Please contact us for more information about your customized licensing.
