Anyone have experience with Windows SBS 2011 and RDS?

[BurlingtonITGuy.com]

I've got a customer who has a Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials running currently, and want to look into using Remote Desktop Services so the users can run on thin clients and have their data/programs stored on the server rather then locally.

I know I need to buy the premium add-on to get support for RDS, it sounds like I would need to install the premium add-on on a separate server, and that run as my "terminal server".

My questions are, how does the licensing work, I know SBS 2011 comes with 25 CAL's, but I think I need separate CAL's for RDS. Also, is this the best solution for trying to virtualize desktops? (users using thin clients, and storing all data on the server) Budget is something to keep in mind as well.

 

[SnoSalmon]

Yes, you need separate CALs for RDS. "Windows 2008 Remote Desktop Services CALs" are required here.
There's two options - "Per Device" or "Per User" CALs. Pretty obvious really. If you have 2 stations but 10 users get the per device CALs.
You CAN NOT mix CALs - if you go with Per User you will be stuck with this unless you change the whole lot and re-order the CALs.

I would almost always go with Per User CALs as opposed to per device - I have been bitten in a situation where we implemented per device CALs. Not thinking about this at all I proceeded to configure the server remotely from my work machine and a machine at home. Guess what - two CALs taken up.

CALs get released after 3 months or so, or you can call the clearing house, but it's all a hassle.

Also of course, you can not run Outlook on the same box as Exchange. So if you are going to implement Office, you will need to have a separate server.

The last one I did I ensured to box had a ton of RAM (32GB), dual 6-core Xeons and 3 SAS arrays. I installed a host OS, then Hyper-V and run both SBS2011 and my RDS as virtual instances.

Remember you can not install boxed copies of Office on a server. (won't let you) and you will need open license copies.
So for each thin client factor in the RDS CAL, and an Office CAL. They are cheaper, and this system gives you much greater control over data and user rights. Backups become a bit easier as there's only one location to back up, and the TCO is lower.

BTW SBS2011 only comes with 5 CALs.

Hope this helps!

 

[BurlingtonITGuy.com]

Thank you so much, it does help and shines a lot of light on the subject!

 

[SnoSalmon]

Any questions just let me know