Windows Server 2012 (R2) Remote Desktop CALs – Device

Windows Server 2012 (R2) Remote Desktop CALs (Device): per-device access licences for existing RDS environments

Windows Server 2012 (R2) Remote Desktop CALs (Device) are access licences for the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) of the Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 generation that are assigned to a device. They license devices via which remote sessions are established on a session host with this version. They are used in existing RDS environments based on Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2, for example when further thin clients or workstations are connected there.

Per-device licensing

A Device CAL belongs to the device, not to the person: several users may work via a licensed device, for example at a workstation used in shifts. The CALs are managed and issued by a Remote Desktop licence server; for this, the ‘Per Device’ licensing mode is set on the session host. The RDS CAL is required in addition to the Windows Server CAL, which is needed for access to the server unless the Microsoft Product Terms provide for an exception.

According to Microsoft, the following applies to versions: CALs of an older Windows Server version may not be used to access a newer version, whereas newer CALs cover older versions. An RDS licence server processes CALs of the same or an earlier Windows Server version. Before purchasing, you should therefore check the version of your session hosts and your licence server.

Buy Windows Server 2012 (R2) Remote Desktop CALs (Device): licence and scope of delivery

You select the number of Device CALs via the product variant: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 500, 750 or 1,000. The licensed devices are counted, not the concurrent sessions. The quantity in the shopping basket remains at one. Server software and Windows Server CALs are not included. The scope of delivery includes:

• Windows Server 2012 (R2) RDS Device CALs in the selected number
• the License Server ID (SPK) and the License Key Pack ID (LKP) for activation on the Remote Desktop licence server
• instructions for activation (see Activating RDS CALs and VDI licences and Guides and FAQ)

Delivery is digital once your payment has been received. To provide the activation data, we need the Product ID of your licence server; it is displayed in Remote Desktop Licensing Manager and is not a Windows product key. You submit the Product ID with a customer account under My Product Codes, without a customer account via the Guest Portal using your order number and billing email address. The License Server ID and License Key Pack ID are then available there for your order.

If you have any questions about activation on the licence server, our Support team is available around the clock by email. For larger environments, there are offers for businesses, schools and public authorities in the B2B Area. You will find server licences and further access licences in the category Windows Server and under Operating Systems.