Windows Multi-User Licensing
Multiple Users on a Single OS Requires Microsoft Windows Server Licensing
For applications where multiple interactive users are simultaneously sharing a single operating system, standard Microsoft Windows Server licensing applies. This means that the shared host computer (or virtual machine) runs a Microsoft Windows Server operating system.
In addition a Microsoft Windows Server Client Access License (WS CAL) and a Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Client Access License (RDS CAL – formerly known as a Microsoft Terminal Services Client Access License or TS CAL) are required for each end-user or device that accesses Windows Server.
Also, Microsoft's new Windows Multipoint Server 2011 can be used and requires a Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 CAL (WMS CAL) for each access device (and for the host computer if the host computer is used as a user station).* The diagram at right shows an example configuration with five users sharing a single computer running Windows MultiPoint Server 2011.
For further details on Microsoft’s multi-user licensing please refer to Microsoft’s website and licensing brief titled: "Licensing Windows Client Operating Systems in Multiuser Scenarios."
| Use Model | Example Configuration | Applicable NComputing Product | Supported OSes ** |
|
Multi-user Single OS Multiple simultaneous interactive users sharing a single operating system |
See diagram |
U-series X-series L-series |
Windows Server 2003 R2 Windows Server 2008 Windows Multipoint Server 2011 |
|
* Note that under Microsoft Volume Licensing Academic Programs, Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 Academic is required on the host computer and both a Windows Server CAL and WMS CAL are required for each user station.
** Refer to the Knowledge Base for current OS support information. |
|||
1:1 Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Use Model
In environments where a remote access device connects to a Microsoft client operating system (such as Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7) that is running inside a virtual machine that is, in turn, running on a host computer, a different set of Microsoft licensing options apply.
The primary approach to OS licensing in this scenario is to use Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) licensing. This VDA licensing approach is available for both PCs as access devices and thin clients – the latter of which applies to NComputing access devices. VDA for thin client licensing is an annual subscription license available in Microsoft Volume Licensing. The virtual machines can be run directly on a hypervisor or on machine virtualization software such as Microsoft Hyper-V running in a Microsoft Windows Server operating system.
You may not use virtualization, multiplexing or short-term reassignment of licenses to reduce the number of licenses required.
For more information on licensing Windows client operating systems such as Microsoft Windows 7 with virtual machine technologies, refer to the following Microsoft licensing brief titled: "Licensing Windows for Virtual Desktops". Note that in all cases, the license terms for your specific version of Windows and the terms of your NComputing vSpace EULA govern your rights and obligations in these use models.
| Use Model | Example Configuration | Applicable NComputing Product |
Supported OSes for Hosting VMs | Supported OSes Using VDA licenses for access points |
|
1:1 Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) A single user accessing a virtual instance of an operating system hosted on a server |
See diagram |
X-series L-series |
Windows Server 2003 R2 Windows Server 2008 R2 Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 Academic |
Windows Client OS * (Windows XP, Vista, or 7) |
| * Use in this scenario is subject to the Microsoft Windows client operating system license terms | ||||
Desktop and Laptop Enhancements
NComputing technology enables a variety of single user configurations. For example, you can use NComputing systems to construct digital display systems and multi-monitor workstations. You can also enable a variety of remote access configurations to give a single user access to one or more machines from one or more locations – for the ultimate computing access flexibility. For these single user applications, the use of Microsoft client operating systems such as Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 is appropriate. Note that in all cases, the license terms for your specific version of Windows and the terms of your NComputing vSpace EULA govern your rights and obligations in these use models.
In these examples, a Microsoft client operating system such as Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 may be used on the computer. Server operating systems may be used as well. Note that in all cases, the license terms for your specific version of Windows and the terms of your NComputing vSpace EULA govern your rights and obligations in these use models.
Digital Display SystemsWhere a single computer is used by a single user, NComputing products can be used to display information on a number of additional screens. In this case, each screen is for visual display only and cannot be connected to a keyboard or mouse for interactive use. Information on each screen may be the same or different from screen to screen. Screens may be located close together (e.g. video wall configuration such as airport flight status monitors) or spread throughout an organization (e.g. displaying the daily lunch menu). See Diagram... |
|
Multi-Monitor StationsUsing a single computer, a single user may use NComputing products to interact with several monitors at the same time. Each monitor may display the same information (mirror mode) or each monitor may display different information to deliver an extended desktop. In each case, the single user interacts with all screens through a single keyboard and mouse. In both of these of these examples, a Microsoft client operating system such as Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 may be used on the computer. See Diagram... |
|
Remote Access of One or More HostsIn this use case, a single primary user accesses a computer over a remote connection from an NComputing access device. NComputing vSpace software runs on the host system and enables the connection to the remote device. This user is the only one accessing the computer at a time. A user could also extend this to enable access to multiple hosts from a single location provided each host is licensed and the user is the primary user of each host device. See Diagram... |
|
Single-User Access From Multiple LocationsA single computer running NComputing vSpace may be accessed from multiple locations by a single user at a time. For example, a single primary user may wish to access a session on his/her home office PC from multiple remote access devices in various locations in his/her home (e.g. kitchen and living room). Each location may have different settings associated with the device in that location (i.e. different screen resolution, font size, etc.). Other users may access a session from any device using NComputing technology, if the remote device is separately licensed to run the client operating system software. Only one user is licensed to interact with the host PC at a time. See Diagram... |
|
| Use Model | Example Configuration | Applicable NComputing Product |
Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 |
|
|
Digital Display Systems Multiple mirrored or independent displays powered by a single system used by a single user |
See diagram 1 |
U-series X-series L-series |
X* | |
|
Multiple Monitor Systems Monitors display the same or different information |
See diagram 2 |
U-series X-series L-series |
X* | |
|
Remote Access A single user accesses a computer over a remote connection from an access device |
See diagram 3 | L-series | X* | |
|
Single-user, Multiple Locations A single computer running NComputing software is accessed from multiple locations by a single user at a time |
See diagram 4 | L-series | X* | |
| * Use in this scenario is subject to the Microsoft Windows client operating system license terms | ||||
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the appropriate MS operating system product for me to license and use for multi-user computing with NComputing products:
A: Microsoft Windows Server products are the operating systems licensed, designed and supported by Microsoft for multiple simultaneous users. To work with NComputing products, you will need to license and use Windows Server 2003 R2 or Windows Server 2008 today. In the future, you will be able to license and use Windows Server 2008 and Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 to work with NComputing products.
Q: Can I run Windows XP instead of Windows Server software if I want multiple simultaneous users to access and use the operating system software?
A: Only under very limited circumstances. If you (the customer) have licensed the appropriate number of Windows Server operating system and associated Client Access Licenses for simultaneous access by multiple users to the Licensed Computer, you may install and run the NComputing vSpace Software on a separately licensed Windows XP Client operating system in lieu of the Windows Server operating system. You may only install and use either the Windows Server operating system software or the Windows XP Client operating system software but not both. Note that while Microsoft allows this limited use of the Windows XP client operating system configuration under these specific circumstances, support for NComputing’s vSpace software running on Windows XP is solely provided by NComputing. Microsoft does not provide any support for NComputing vSpace Software or for the Windows XP Client operating system in this configuration; you should seek support from NComputing for issues relating to the NComputing vSpace Software and its use with the Windows XP Client operating system.
Q: Can I run Windows Vista, Windows 7 or any other Microsoft client operating system product to allow multiple simultaneous users to access and use the operating system software?
A: No, that is not permitted. You should instead purchase and run the Microsoft Windows Server operating system software that is appropriate for your needs. You must also obtain the appropriate number of Microsoft client access licenses that are necessary for the number of users or devices that access and use the server. Only Microsoft Windows Server software is licensed, designed and supported by Microsoft for multiple simultaneous users.