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."

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.

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 Systems

Where 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).

Multi-Monitor Stations

Using 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.

Remote Access of One or More Hosts

In 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.

Single-User Access From Multiple Locations

A 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.