RDS CAL (Remote Desktop Services Client Access License) is a Microsoft license that is used for access to a Remote Desktop Services environment. It allows multiple users to access software and applications on a remote server.
An RDS CAL grants the right to access a particular version of Windows Server and is required for each device or user that accesses the server. In order to access a Remote Desktop Services-enabled server, an RDS CAL needs to be purchased.
When an RDS CAL is purchased, the license is tied to the server and allow the server to enforce compliance and keep track of users who are accessing it. RDS CALs are also used to limit the number of concurrent sessions and add secure authentication to the remote server.
While RDS CALs are mandatory for use of a Remote Desktop Services environment, additional services including Applications and other services require separate server-side licenses.
Table of Contents
Do you need RDS CALs?
RDS CALs, or Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses, are an important part of most businesses’ IT infrastructure. RDS CALs are required for connecting to an RDS Server, and for administrators to manage Remote Desktop Services roles.
Whether you need RDS CALs depends on the setup of your business. Generally, if your business has more than two people accessing a server with Remote Desktop Services roles enabled, you will need RDS CALs.
If you only need two people accessing it, you can purchase the less expensive “Per Device CAL” which allows two people to access the server but only one person to access it at the same time. Furthermore, if you only need one person to access the server, a “Per User CAL” is not needed as permissions can be managed within the local computer policy.
Ultimately, the number of RDS CALs you need should be based on the number of people who will access the remote desktop services enabled server and the level of access each user requires.
How do I check my RDS CAL license?
To check your RDS CAL license, you will first need to log into the server you are using with an account with privileges to access the licensing information. Once logged in, open the completely optional but handy Remote Desktop Licensing Manager (RD Licensing Manager) tool located in the Administrative Tools folder of the Start Menu.
This tool allows you to view and manage the Remote Desktop Services client access licenses (RDS CALs) that are installed on the server.
On the left side of the window, you will see a list of all the RDS CALs and the date that each license was issued. In the center of the window, you will see information about the type of license and the total number of licenses currently installed on the server.
This is a convenient way to quickly double-check that the appropriate licenses are installed and that the licenses are actively being used.
If you need further details regarding the licenses, you can select any server in the left-hand pane and then click on the Action pane’s Properties button. This will give you access to more detailed information about the types and number of licenses installed, as well as the date that each license was issued.
Once you have confirmed that the appropriate RDS CALs are in place, you may want to periodically check the license usage to ensure that the licenses are being fully utilized. The RD Licensing Manager in the Administrative Tools menu can also be used for this purpose.
Simply select a server from the left-hand pane and then click on the Action pane’s Reports button. This will generate a report of the specific RDS CALs and how many instances of Windows Server each has been used on.
How do I activate RDS CALs?
In order to activate RDS CALs, you have to have the Remote Desktop Licensing Role installed on the Remote Desktop Server (RDS) from which you are accessing the Remote Desktop Resources. Once the Remote Desktop Licensing Role is installed, you will then need to register for an RDS User CAL with Microsoft and purchase a license key for the CALs.
Once you have registered and purchased your key, you can then enter the key into the “Create New CALS” option of the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager. This will activate the CALs and put them into effect.
After that, you will need to configure the RDS server to be aware of the newly activated CALs by setting the licensing mode. This procedure varies slightly depending on the version of RDS you are running.
Finally, you will need to manage the CLAs, making sure that a CAL is issued to each user who attempts to connect to the Remote Desktop Resources. This can be done by enabling tracking in the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager and making sure that the CALs are current.
What is the difference between device CAL and user CAL?
A device CAL is a type of CAL (client access license) that is used to track the number of devices that are using the server’s resources. It is often used in environments with a lot of distinct devices that do not have many users accessing them.
On the other hand, a user CAL is a type of CAL used to track the number of users that are accessing server resources. This type of license is used in environments with few distinct devices, but a lot of users that access the server resources.
In summary, device CALs are used for environments with many devices and few users, while user CALs are used for environments with fewer devices and many users.
What is the Remote Desktop Connection Broker used for?
The Remote Desktop Connection Broker is a service in Windows Server that allows users to access virtual desktops and RemoteApp programs. The broker keeps track of all of the Remote Desktop Session Hosts that are part of the RD Virtualization Host collection, as well as which users are assigned to them.
It also distributes new sessions among the session hosts in that collection. Additionally, the broker allows users to reconnect to their existing sessions on any of the RD Session Hosts in the collection.
This makes it easier to move users to different RD Session Hosts during maintenance or reconfiguration of an RD Virtualization Host collection. Furthermore, the Remote Desktop Connection Broker also offers simplified access to VDI and RemoteApp resources with streamlined sign-in, resiliency in the case of session host failure, and the ability to easily migrate user sessions from one RD Session host to another.
How do I remove RDS CALs from RD license server?
In order to remove RDS CALs from RD license server, you must first launch the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager by pressing Window+ R and then typing “lfmgr.msc” in the Run dialog window.
In the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager window, select the server name on which the CALS are installed. Then right-click and select “Delete Unused Client Access Licenses”. You’ll then be prompted to confirm the deletion of the RDS CALs.
If you want to delete all the RDS CALs installed on the server, you must select the “Delete All Stored CALs from the License Server” option.
Next, you must select “Delete the CALs from the license server database and all client computers” option. On clicking the “OK” button the selected RDS CALs will be removed from the RD license server.
Finally, you’ll need to restart the Remote Desktop Licensing service for the changes to take effect. You can do this by pressing the Window+ R and then typing “services. msc” in the Run dialog window.
Then select the Remote Desktop Licensing service and click on the “Restart” button.
Once the service has been restarted, the RDS CALs will be removed from the RD license server.
How do I activate my Polycom license?
In order to activate your Polycom license, you need to first login to your account in the Polycom Software License Management Portal (SLMP). Once logged in, you will be able to see the licenses that you have purchased.
Select the license that you would like to activate, and click “Activate License” to register it with Polycom.
You will then be prompted to provide the serial number and other information from your Polycom product that you would like to register. Once that is complete, your license will be activated and you will be able to download the software for the associated product.
It is important to note that you may need to register each individual device separately, if you have multiple Polycom products that you would like to license. In some cases, bulk activation of multiple licenses may be possible.
Please refer to the product documentation or contact Polycom customer service team if you have any questions or issues with activating your licenses.
How many CAL licenses do I need?
The number of CAL (Client Access Licenses) that you need depends on the size of your organization as well as the complexity and scope of your system requirements. For example, if you are setting up a smaller office with a handful of computers and basic system requirements, you most likely won’t need a large number of CALs.
On the other hand, if you are setting up a network of computers with more complex system requirements, you may need a larger number of CALs. It is important to analyze your hardware and software requirements along with the number of users that will need to access the network in order to determine the total number of CALs required.
Ultimately, it is recommended that you speak with a professional consultant or licensing specialist to ensure that you have the correct number of CALs to meet your needs.
Do I need CAL licenses?
It depends on what you are using the software for. If you are using the software for commercial purposes – such as selling products or services – then you will need a CAL license from the software provider.
A CAL, or Client Access License, is a type of license that grants a user or device the right to access and use one or more of the features of a particular software package. For example, with Microsoft Office 365 Business, you will need to purchase a CAL for each user that uses the system.
If you are not using the software for any commercial purpose, however, then a CAL license may not be necessary.
Why do I need CALs for Windows Server?
Microsoft Client Access Licenses (CALs) are required for organizations and individuals who want to access the various services, applications and products offered within the Windows Server operating system.
Without CALs, organizations would not be able to access critical resources on the server, and individuals would not be able to share data or access critical resources such as applications. Even when using the Windows Server for personal use, it is customary for a user to purchase a single CAL as part of their license agreement.
CALs are used to verify access rights to services and various resources either online or through a network. Every end user needs a CAL to be able to access any of the resources on the server. By having each user purchase a CAL, Microsoft can ensure that the people who need access to certain products, services, or data have the appropriate rights to access them.
Organizations that already use Windows Server can use management tools like Group Policy to make it easier to keep track of user rights and connection with the server, however, without the CALs, the server would not be able to accurately monitor which users need those rights.
In addition to granting access rights, CALs also provide a measure of trust and control over who ultimately ends up accessing a given resource.
CALs also help organizations track server usage, which can be particularly useful if an organization needs to ensure that all users are licensed appropriately. And, finally, CALs provide organizations a level of protection from litigation and other claims—if users are not properly licensed, an organization can easily be held liable for any unlicensed use of resources or data.
How does CALs work?
A CAL (Client Access License) is a license that allows users access to network-based software or services. Typically, they are sold in packs of five or more and provide users access to a specific number of individual client devices (or users) to the network.
CALs function by allowing users to connect to specific software or services by authenticating their credentials. During the setup process, the user’s credentials are verified, and then a CAL is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
The software or service provider sets the rules regarding the number of CALs available and the type of user the CALs allow access to, such as concurrent users or specific user roles. On an individual user device, they will usually receive a license key or a password to activate their CAL.
The use of CALs safeguards the software or service from being used by unauthorized users and allows for a greater level of network security. CALs can be managed from one central location, and by policy, users can have their CALs automatically revoked if a certain period of inactivity is reached.
This helps organizations to save time and money in managing their licenses.
What kinds of CAL licenses are there?
There are three types of CAL licenses, which are: User CAL, Device CAL, and Device & User CAL.
User CAL is a license assigned to an individual user, and allows them access to the server for features such as Messages, the Address Book, Calendaring, and Personal Information Management, regardless of the device they are using.
Device CAL is assigned to a specific device, and provides access to the server for multiple users.
Device & User CAL combines the features of each of the two license types and assigns a license to a particular device, as well as each user. This is the most expensive of the three types of CALs, but also provides for the most flexibility, as users have access to the server regardless of the device they are using.
The type of license you should purchase depends on the needs of your organization, which should be evaluated before making a decision on the type and number of licenses required.
Do I need CALs for a domain controller?
Yes, you do need Client Access Licenses (CALs) for a domain controller. When you have a domain controller, it authenticates users and their access to certain resources and services, such as file and printer sharing or email service.
Any user that needs to access these services or resources must have a valid Client Access License, so if you’re planning on having users who require access to these services or resources, you’ll need to purchase the appropriate CALs.
Without a Client Access License, the user won’t be able to access the services or resources you make available. It’s important to note that different CALs are required for each type of server you might have, and each license needs to match the version of the services you provide.
There are also user and device CALs which you’ll need to consider when purchasing.
What are the four types of CAL?
There are four primary types of Computer Assisted Learning (CAL), each with their own unique characteristics and benefits: multimedia, software-based learning, support tools, and web-based learning.
Multimedia-based CAL includes interactive activities with videos, sound, graphics, and other graphics animated visual tools. This type of learning allows for more engaging and engaging learning experiences, helping learners to quickly digest and retain information.
Software-based learning allows users to access training materials, activities, and simulations either remotely or through dedicated software installations. With this type of CAL, learners are able to access materials quickly and practice skills as often as needed for mastery of concepts.
Support tools are designed to help learners navigate course content or access additional resources. These can include help menus, forums, chat boxes, or online study groups, which help to provide a more personal learning experience.
Web-based learning is the most flexible type of CAL and can be used on different devices or platforms, such as tablets and smartphones. Learners can access online materials, multimedia activities, and other interactive applications at any time and from any location.
This type of learning often allows learners to track their progress, as well as practice skills in a secure virtual environment.
