Windows 2003 Server: Questions regarding RDP, CALs

[C. G.]

Hi,

I am looking into getting a Server running Windows Server 2003 for my
heterogeneous office network. Intended hardware base is a Server + 'n'
thin clients running embedded linux. There are already Linux Servers in
the network.

Q1: If I get the 5 client version of Server 2003 does that mean I can
simultaneously connect from five independent thin-client sessions over rdp?

Q2: Do I really need windows 2003 CALs at all if none of my desk
machines use a windows desk-top?

Answers greatly appreciated.

 

[Ryan Hanisco]

CG,

To run terminal services to the clients, you will also need to put your
server in application mode and buy Terminal Services CALs. Windows Server
allows up to two simultaneous terminal sessions for admin purposes, but other
than that you do need the TS CALs.

You can find more information on TS cals at:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823313

I hope this helps you out!
--
Ryan Hanisco
MCSE, MCTS: SQL 2005, Project+
Chicago, IL

Remember: Marking helpful answers helps everyone find the info they need
quickly.


"C. G." wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I am looking into getting a Server running Windows Server 2003 for my
> heterogeneous office network. Intended hardware base is a Server + 'n'
> thin clients running embedded linux. There are already Linux Servers in
> the network.
>
> Q1: If I get the 5 client version of Server 2003 does that mean I can
> simultaneously connect from five independent thin-client sessions over rdp?
>
> Q2: Do I really need windows 2003 CALs at all if none of my desk
> machines use a windows desk-top?
>
> Answers greatly appreciated.
>
>

 

[Coraleigh Miller]

Hi C.G.,

A1: The 5 CALs that come with Server 2003 are not Terminal Server CALs. TS
CALs you would have to purchase separately as Ryan mentioned. There are 2
different flavours (per User & per Device) of TS CALs as well so know which
type you want before you order..
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/howtobuy/licensing/ts2003.mspx

A2: This is what Microsoft has to say about Server 2003 CAL licensing..
"With Windows Server 2003, CALs are no longer triggered based on the use of
certain services but are instead based on access to and/or use of the server
software. This holds true for all editions of Windows Server 2003 and
Windows Server 2003 R2, except Web Edition. Windows CALs are not required
for Web Edition.Note the following general exception to Windows CAL
requirements: Windows CALs are not required when access to the server
software is unauthenticated and conducted through the Internet.
Authenticated access is defined as an exchange of user or application
credentials between the server software and a user or device. An example of
this exception would be if unidentified users browsed your public Web site.
Windows CALs would not be required for those users."
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/howtobuy/licensing/caloverview.mspx
Coraleigh Miller


"C. G." <site_blackhole@trellisys.ie> wrote in message
news:f85tfi$ir1$00$1@news.t-online.com...
> Hi,
>
> I am looking into getting a Server running Windows Server 2003 for my
> heterogeneous office network. Intended hardware base is a Server + 'n'
> thin clients running embedded linux. There are already Linux Servers in
> the network.
>
> Q1: If I get the 5 client version of Server 2003 does that mean I can
> simultaneously connect from five independent thin-client sessions over
> rdp?
>
> Q2: Do I really need windows 2003 CALs at all if none of my desk
> machines use a windows desk-top?
>
> Answers greatly appreciated.
>

 

[C. G.]

My thanks to you both, Ryan and Coraleigh, for the in-depth info. I can
now see that only one of the replies to my RFQ is in fact complete.
Coincidently, also one of the lowest quotes.

Best regards,

Charles