New Terminal Server Licensing

[Dennis Brantley]

Apologies for cross-posting.

For those of you considering WinFrame or Windows Terminal
Server/MetaFrame implementation, Microsoft has today announced new
licensing policies for WTS.  There's a lot of stuff here, so I've
attempted to boil it down a bit.

First, this does not affect WinFrame licensing or MetaFrame licensing as
it relates to simultaneous users.

History - Windows Terminal Server, M$'s foray into multi-user NT, has
been criticized for being too expensive to license for large
organizations, and impossible to license for Internet access.  The
previous licensing model required an NT workstation license per seat to
access WTS, in addition to the standard NT client access license (CAL)
if file and print services are involved (they almost always are -
WinFrame also requires NT CALs as necessary).  This means if your school
has 6,000 students and you want to deliver your CD applications, for
example, using WTS, you would need to purchase 6,000 NT WS licenses and
potentially 6,000 NT CALs.  Using WTS to permit anonoymouns access to
your applications over the Internet was legally impossible.  FYI, the
list price of NT WS is $249, though an upgrade license is acceptable if
applicable.  List for an NT CAL is $40.

Under the new scheme, M$ has created a new license called Terminal
Server Client Access License (TSCAL).  The use of a TSCAL will replace
the required NT WS license.  A standard NT CAL is still required as
necessary.  The list price of TSCAL is $109; a five pack of TSCALs and
NT CALs lists for $749.  NOTE:  all WTS licensing is still per seat.

Another new license is available, the Terminal Server Internet
Connector.  This license permits up to 200 concurrent anonymous users to
access WTS.  This license is intended strictly for users external to the
organization; internal users should follow the TSCAL model.  The list
price for Internet Connector is $9,999.

No information is available yet on academic pricing.

Related links:
http://www.microsoft.com/ntserver/terminalserver/exec/EOMAP/pricing.asp
http://www.thinplanet.com/Opinion/overview-TSE-licensing.asp
http://www.thinplanet.com/Opinion/details-TSE-licensing.asp

--
Dennis Brantley - mailto:dennis at dati.com
Data Access Technologies, Inc.  http://www.dati.com
CD Networking - Remote/Intranet Access - Thin Client Computing
(770)339-6554 or Toll Free (888) 432-8423