Benefits of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2016
Microsoft's Remote Desktop Services 2016 can be made available either as session-based desktops or as a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), or a combination of both. With session-based desktop virtualization, users share a virtual machine, which is particularly beneficial for task-oriented applications. VDI, on the other hand, is particularly suitable for projects where the security of the environment and the data plays a role.
Advantages of Remote Desktop Services 2016 at a glance
- The terminal server licensed with RDS 2016 can be used with a current user CAL or device CAL by many end devices: e.g. Windows or Apple computers, tablets and smartphones as well as thin clients.
- Older PCs benefit from the strong computing power of the terminal server and can therefore also use all services of RDS 2016.
- The central maintenance of the terminal server reduces IT expenditure, which increases availability and simultaneously reduces costs.
- The need for software licenses is optimized.
- The security of data from unauthorized access and malware is also increased.
- Via RemoteApps, users only get access to the applications that have been released for them.
- Via VPN, the RDS 2016 of the terminal server is also available for mobile use. This means that flexible workstations can be created easily.
- Windows server containers are available with Windows Server 2016.
High scalability and availability
RDS 2016 also reduces the effort for the administration of terminal servers compared to client-server networks. Administrators and users with a CAL benefit from the scalability and individually definable automation with Windows Server 2016 RDS. Multiple servers can be connected to a single work environment to increase performance and reliability with Hyper-V and to provide desktops and applications from any location. Linux can also be used with Hyper-V.
Automation tools such as Desired State Configuration and PowerShell make administration easier for administrators and save time. The hybrid cloud solutions of Remote Desktop Services 2016 are ideal for storage, backup, recovery and VM scenarios. And Quality of Service rules can be used to determine which applications should be given priority.
High flexibility and delivery of Remote Desktop Services 2016
The virtualization environments of RDS 2016 offer a high degree of flexibility in the provision of applications for each individual user: employees can also use the programs installed on the terminal server via thin clients or zero clients after logging on to the terminal server. Via RemoteApp, individual applications are made available on the user's desktop, which not only makes it possible to define individual access to individual services, but also offers a particular advantage for working in a secure remote environment.
Remote Desktop Services 2016 can also be used with older computers via CAL
With the RDS 2016, the computing power of the Windows is equally available at all workstations, regardless of the speed of the individual terminal devices. The virtualization of applications means that even older PCs with a client access license can take full advantage of Remote Desktop Services.
Better data protection
The high security level of Remote Desktop Services 2016 also reduces the risks that can arise from incorrect operation by users. The multi-layered security system detects and prevents attacks. For this purpose, Windows Server 2016 offers detectors in addition to Windows Defender, which report break-ins and minimize possible damage. In order to guarantee the security of sensitive data, other tools contribute to the encryption of virtual machines. These include Credential Guard, which protects the logon data, and features such as Just Enough Administration and Just-In-Time Administration. With Hyper-V, a hypervisor-based virtualization technology from Microsoft, particularly sensitive applications can be isolated.
RunWindows Server Container with Remote Desktop Services 2016
With the Windows Server version 2016, Windows Server containers were also integrated. They are based on the open source platform Docker and are available as Windows Server containers or Hyper-V containers. Containers allow the isolated operation of applications on physical and virtual machines or in Hyper-V. They are managed either with the Docker client or in the PowerShell.
Client Access Licenses for Remote Desktop Services 2016
To be able to use all applications provided with the RDS 2016 as a user, a CAL (client access license) is required, either as a user CAL or as a device CAL. This allows all services, including VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) technologies, to be used anytime and anywhere where the Internet is available.
The Microsoft licensing system is based on client access licenses for users, not only for Windows Server 2016, but also for Remote Desktop Services. The use (per license) of a software is thus independent of its implementation. By default, the Windows Server operating system grants only two remote access rights, which may only be used for server administration. Users are not permitted to use them. The Microsoft license terms specify that an RDS CAL is required for a user or a terminal device to access the defined services. This rule also applies if a user wants to access a Windows server via a third-party software; a corresponding RDS license is also required. These restrictions also mean additional security for the data, because unauthorized third parties or intruders are denied access to it.
Differences between User CALs and Device CALs for RDS 2016
As usual, Microsoft also offers two different forms of licensing for Windows Remote Desktop Services 2016 Depending on whether the focus is on the user or the device, these are User CALs or Device CALs. Thus, either a single user or a single device is authorized to access Remote Desktop Services. It is not possible to switch between the two types of license.
The User CAL is only ever intended for a single specific user, regardless of the device used for this purpose. This user can therefore access the server services via User CAL from completely different devices. It does not matter whether he does this from his desktop PC at a workstation in the office, or from another PC, e.g. at another location or in the home office, or from a notebook when he is on the road.
The Device CAL is a device-dependent license tied to a specific individual device, e.g. a desktop PC in the office OR a notebook, regardless of its respective user. This means that every user who is authorized to use this licensed device can also use the Remote Desktop Services provided for it.
Which type of CAL is the most suitable for a company may of course differ from case to case. On the one hand, the number of employees in a company who use the RDS plays a role, on the other hand, the predominant mode of operation: For example, if different employees use Windows applications and services on a stationary PC at their workstation OR alternately on a laptop, a Device CAL is the more suitable form of licensing.
The RDS-CAL 2016 is physically assigned to each device and tracked by the license server independent of Active Directory membership. RDS-CALs cannot be overloaded.
If an employee uses the RDS 2016 applications regularly but flexibly, i.e. with different devices and from different locations, even in the home Office or on the road, User CAL is the more practical licensing type.
The RDS CAL is assigned to a user in Active Directory and tracked by the license server. RDS-CALs cannot be tracked within a work group. RDS-CALs for users can also be overloaded.
Under certain circumstances a combination of User CALs and Device CALs is recommended.
If you have any questions about your license requirements for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2016, please contact us - we will be happy to put together your customized license package - including a favorable offer.
Supplement your CAL requirements for RDS 2016 with Wiresoft
With the purchase of User and Device CALs for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2016 at Wiresoft you save money! You have the possibility to either supplement your existing licensing with CALs for RDS 2016 or upgrade from an older Microsoft server version to the 2016 version. With the user or device CALs you benefit from the versatile virtualization possibilities and the scalability that Microsoft offers you - and from the low prices that Wiresoft offers you compared to other providers. Because all our Microsoft products are original license rights, which originate from the European area and were legally acquired by us from companies as unused software licenses. They have been checked by Wiresoft for authenticity and functionality - many of our enthusiastic customers confirm the advantage of buying CALs for Remote Desktop Services 2016 from Wiresoft. Just contact us for further information.
