Windows Server CALs for non-admins

[MarkJ]

Hi, are there any Windows Server administrators out there?

I need to buy a server that our VPN users can work on. Long story short is that the data itself cannot leave site so users working on terminal services session seems the best way round this.

From reading various Microsoft articles I will need a Terminal Services CAL (Client Access Licence) for each user that connects to the server. Normally you get two CALs for Administrators only to use, but the users will not be Administrators on the server.

When buying the server from Dell I can get Windows Server 2008 with '5 CALs' for £500. Would these 5 CALs be available for the non-administrators to use, or are these simply 5 CALs for administrators only? To buy 5 specific Terminal Services/RDS CALs is an additional £500.

Cheers

[The Artist]

You could always dump the IPSTACK on the RTA table.

You have got to be careful because you don't want to end up the middle of invalid memory!

[sweetleaf]

The 5 CALs that come with W2008 are normal CALs not just for admins.

I don't use Terminal Services, so I'm not 100% certain whether these count for using TS too, but I would hope so! Here's what MS have to say on the matter ...

"In addition to a server license, a Windows Server Client Access License (CAL) is required to access the Windows Server software. If you wish to utilize the RDS functionality of the Windows Server software, an incremental Terminal Services Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services Client Access License (TS CAL), or the new Remote Desktop Services Client Access License (RDS CAL) is required as well. A TS or RDS CAL is required for each user or device. To be specific, a WS 2008 TS CAL or WS 2008 RDS CAL may access a server running Windows Server 2008 R2. An RDS CAL is functionally equivalent to a TS CAL."

[TQ]

It sounds to me like you specifically need RDP CALs.

We had a call from a guy at microsoft a few weeks ago wanting to perform an audit on all our licenses. At the end we were short of 50 Exchange CALs, 40 SQL Cals and 55 Server CALs. They were pretty relaxed about it to be honest and as long as we agreed to buy the right licenses then no further action would be taken.

Not the best approach but at least when they catch up with you you can specifically ask them what you need. I'd say the price sounds about right (£100 a user).
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[djr]

Yep, those licenses are "Client Access Licenses".

I believe you will need 1 CAL and 1 Terminal server license, per user.

[MarkJ]

Thanks for your help everyone, I think djr is right