Choose your server version
New 2025 deployments, and anyone who wants the widest downgrade path from a single purchase.
Every order includes
Three things, on every order, with no exceptions.
Need above 500 CALs? Contact us.
For standard Windows Server environments
If it runs a supported Windows Server OS with the Remote Desktop Services role, these CALs apply — wherever the server lives.
Bare metal or Hyper-V, in an Active Directory domain or a workgroup. The most common RDS deployment.
A dedicated server, VPS or collocated host with a supported Windows Server OS.
Azure, Google Cloud, AWS or any other platform running a supported Windows Server OS.
What is RDS, and why are CALs required?
RDS provides remote access to Windows Server desktops, applications and shared work environments. In older releases the same role was called Terminal Services.
Every user or device that connects to Remote Desktop Services needs an RDS CAL matching that Windows Server version.
CALs are installed and tracked through the Remote Desktop Licensing role in Windows Server.
An RDS CAL does not include the Windows Server operating system, application licenses, hosting or server setup.
User CALs or Device CALs
Same price, different licensing model — pick by how your people connect.
Not sure which fits? The calculator sizes an order in about a minute.
Microsoft RDS licensing specialists
We have been planning, deploying and licensing Microsoft RDS as Sysvista Solutions Limited since 2015. With extensive experience in licensing, implementing and troubleshooting RDS, we can precisely fulfill your deployment requirements.
- Trading since
- 2015
- Customers served
- 5,000+
- Product focus
- RDS only