Windows Server 2019 data center Remote Desktop server Licensing cost

Hello @Pramod J,

To determine the licensing costs for 1 jump server and 49 VMs in Azure, you will need to consider both the Azure infrastructure costs and the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access Licenses (CALs). For 5 users per device, you would typically need to purchase RDS User CALs, which can vary in price.

To use Remote Desktop Services (RDS) in Azure, you typically need the following:

Windows Server License: Included in the Azure VM pricing when using the Azure Hybrid Benefit or pay-as-you-go model.

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access Licenses (CALs):

• Per Device CAL: Required for each device that accesses the RDS environment.
• Per User CAL: Required for each user that accesses the RDS environment.

Given your scenario five users sharing a single device Per Device CALs are likely the most appropriate and cost-effective licensing model.

Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Remote Desktop Services CAL Cost (from Microsoft.com):

• Windows Server 2022 RDS User CAL (1 User): $220
• Windows Server 2022 RDS User CAL (5 User): $1,095

The price for RDS CALs varies widely. As of this writing, the price for a five-pack of Windows Server 2022 RDS user CALs ranges from $480 to $1000 depending on the vendor- https://www.graphon.com/blog/microsoft-rds-pricing-overview

If you're considering Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) instead of traditional RDS:

• User access rights are included with Microsoft 365 or Windows licenses (e.g., Microsoft 365 E3/E5, Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3/E5).
• You only pay for Azure infrastructure (VMs, storage, bandwidth).

This can be more cost-effective if your users already have Microsoft 365 licenses- https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/virtual-desktop/

If you have any further queries, do let us know.

Hello Pramod J,

Kindly let us know if the suggested details helped or you need further assistance on this issue.

Hello Pramod J,

Kindly let us know if the suggested details helped or you need further assistance on this issue.