Users who purchase one of the Windows Server 2012 RDS CALs gain access to what is arguably the most robust software solution for remote control of server machines, while also meeting all modern demands. Microsoft has enhanced, streamlined, unified and made more powerful the features of its predecessor Terminal Server.

Windows Server 2012 RDS CALs: The central features of the software solution

• Easier management of connected machines - especially virtual machines
• Role assignments: Users can only see the apps intended for them
• Full multi-monitor support
• Bitmap acceleration has been significantly improved
• RD Web Acces and "RemoteApp and Desktop Connection" have been merged: This allows access to VDI and session desktops

In October 2013, Microsoft released Windows Server 2012 R2. It was a mirroring of Windows 8.1 for the server operating system. With it, the developers laid the foundation for many things that are still true today. This applies, for example, to the handling of virtualized hard disks using Hyper-V. Azure as a cloud solution was integrated much more closely. In addition, the design language was adapted to Windows 8.1: The classic desktop with Start menu celebrated its comeback and replaced the tiles.

These innovations were so extensive that a new platform had to be written for the remote control of computers and/or virtual machines connected via a network. The previous Terminal Server solution was no longer able to do this. Windows Server 2012 RDS CALs took its place: RDS stands for "Remote Desktop Services".

Server 2012 RDS: New development with Terminal Server as the basis

Microsoft had to make the decision to develop Terminal Server once again or to dare a complete reboot, in which the previous solution would only act as a foundation. The company decided on the second option, which is why the name was also changed. This is advantageous for users, as it is worth buying one of the Windows Server 2012 RDS CALs precisely because of this decision. Until today, the 2012 version is the basis for the RDS from Microsoft. Through the years since the initial release, the developers were able to eliminate all bugs and other teething problems. The software solution runs accordingly stable.

The most important innovations in the Windows Server 2012 RDS CALs

Windows Server 2012 R2 brought significant improvements to virtual machine management. The RDS were intended from the beginning as a tool to be able to use these optimizations. For example, it has become much easier to remotely access a virtual desktop. The cloud is also suitable as a network to do this. The speed of work has been significantly increased: Administration tasks, for example, can be carried out in real time via the RDS. Users can be assigned specific roles via filters: This means that remote users only see certain applications.

The licenses: User or Device

The Windows Server 2012 RDS CALs are differentiated by user or device. If the license is tied to one or more users, it carries the note "User". If the license is linked to one or more machines, it is marked "Device".