RDS CAL – Where Are They Used and Who Needs Them? 

Learn about Remote Desktop Service (RDS) and Client Access License (CAL). You will also learn where they are used and who needs them.
RDS CAL

What is RDS CAL License 

RDS CAL (Real-time Data Services for Applications) is a license that allows you to use the Real-Time Data Services API in your application without having to pay any additional fees. This means that you can use this service from within your own applications, as well as from third-party applications. You will need an RDS CAL if you want to access the Real-Time Data Service API. 

Everything You Need to Know about Microsoft RDS CALs 

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a set of tools designed to allow remote desktop sessions over the Internet. With it, you can connect to a remote PC running Windows Server 2008/2008r2 or later versions of Windows 7/8/10. RDS enables you to view the screen of another computer, control mouse and keyboard actions, open files, run programs, and even log on to the machine as another user. 

Companies need to understand the RDS Client Access License (CAL). These licenses are required to use Rds. They can cost anywhere from $30 per seat up to thousands of dollars depending on how many seats you want to support. The CAL must be purchased by each individual user accessing the computers via Rds. If you don’t know what CALs are, contact your reseller. 

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What is RDS CALs? 

If you want to provide access via remote desktop connection to users to an RDS Collection or RDS Components of a Windows Server Operating System, you need to purchase extra licenses. Typically, the RDSH server hosts the resources—for example, Windows applications or files—that clients connect to the RSHH to access those resources remotely. 

The actual RDSH server that hosts the resources must be licensed with a valid Windows Server CAL matching the operating system version. Remote client devices that access it must have a User CAL, such as Microsoft Desktop App Shortcut. 

With newer RDS CAL versions, you can access older RSCH servers. However, older RDSCALs cannot work with new RSCH servers, and you need additional licenses.

What are the differences between Per Device and Per User RDS CALs? 

In today’s world, organizations use many different devices to access network resources. These devices include laptops, tablets, smartphones, desktops, PDAs, etc. Each device must have a unique set of credentials in order to connect to the corporate network.  

This is where Remote Desktop Services (RDS) come into play. RDS allows you to centrally manage multiple remote desktop sessions for your employees. You can assign individual users one or more RDS CALs to allow them to securely log onto their computers remotely or on the public cloud. 

There are two types of RDS Cal licenses: per device and per user. A per-device RDS CAL enables you to control how many RDS CALs are distributed to each device. For example, you could give every employee 10 RDS CALs, or you could distribute 50 RDS CALs to each employee.  

If you want to revoke an RDS CAL, you can do so either per device or per user. Revoking an RDS CAL per device revokes the RDS CAL from all devices associated with that account. However, revoking an RDS CAL in Per User does not affect the accounts associated with that user. 

You can also create groups within your organization. When you create a group, you can assign RDS CALs to that group. Then, when you revoke an RDS CAL in that group, all members of that group will lose access to their remote desktop session. 

How much does it cost to buy RDS CALs? How much should I spend? 

There are three ways to get RDS CALs: 

  • Buy RDS CALs directly from Microsoft. 
  • Purchase RDS CALs through a reseller. 
  • Use the free trial period. 

Microsoft offers several options for purchasing RDS CALs. You can choose from a variety of plans based on the number of users you wish to license. 

For example, if you plan to host 20 users, you can select the Enterprise Plan. The Enterprise Plan includes a single RDS CAL for each user. It costs $5 per month per user. 

If you plan to host 100 users, you can select a higher-priced plan. For example, the Business Premium Plan includes a single RDS CAL for each user. The price is $10 per month per user. You can also opt for the Enterprise Plus Plan, which includes a single RDS CAL for each user. 

The Enterprise Plus Plan costs $15 per month per user. Finally, there is the Enterprise Ultimate Plan, which includes a Single RDSCAL for every user. The Enterprise Ultimate Plan costs $20 per month per user. 

Why you need the RDS CAL 

RDS CAL stands for Remote Desktop Services Certificate Authority License. It is a license that enables customers to use remote desktop services (RDS), including Microsoft Office 365, Skype for Business Online, and OneDrive for Business. 

With this license, you are able to deploy RDS servers and manage them remotely. You can easily scale up the number of users and devices that can connect to your server without having to purchase additional licenses. 

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, there are some limitations associated with RDS CALs. For example, it does not allow you to install third-party software on the servers. However, it does provide flexibility and cost savings for organizations of all sizes because it offers a reliable, scalable solution. 

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