How do client access licenses work

In our interconnected world we have grown accustom to having our technology being always available and accessible, so we created networks and online instances to increase that access. Microsoft has come up with three main types of licenses that go along with this desire to access our applications in any and every way imaginable.

Basically they will allow you to authorize a person or device to access the application, or in applicable instances allow hardware to host it. Here are the three main types of licenses:.

Doesn't seem overly complicated right? Microsoft has several pages answering questions and giving examples of instances when a certain type of license is needed. Microsoft has even set up a page answering these questions because they come up so often with users, it can be found here. Some of the questions include:. Understanding the types of licenses is only part of the struggle, another part is knowing the volume of licenses that you need to operate.

Being under licensed can lead to costly SAM audits. Why do I need both? You need a CAL as soon as users or devices access or use your server. Keep in mind that you don't need CALs for unauthenticated access through the Internet. Is each CAL tied to a specific user or device? CALs must be assigned to specific users or devices. If a user leaves the company or a device is retired, you can reassign the CAL. I have some extra CALs from an older version that are not being used.

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There is a licensing grace period of Days during which no license server is required. Use the following information to learn about how client access licensing works in Remote Desktop Services and to deploy and manage your licenses:. When you use the Per Device model, a temporary license is issued the first time a device connects to the RD Session Host.