AT A GLANCE
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is the platform of choice for building virtualization solutions for every end customer need, including delivering individual virtualized applications, providing secure mobile and remote desktop access, and providing end users the ability to run their applications and desktops from the cloud. RDS offers deployment flexibility, cost efficiency, and extensibility - all delivered through a variety of deployment options, including Windows Server for on-premises deployments, Microsoft Azure for cloud deployments, and a robust array of partner solutions.
Each user or device that accesses a licensed Windows Server requires a Windows Server Client Access License (CAL) or a Windows Server.
With the User CAL, you purchase a CAL for every user who accesses the server to use services such as file storage or printing, regardless of the number of devices they use for the access.
With a Device CAL, you purchase a CAL for every device that accesses your server, regardless of the number of users who use that device to access the server.
