Customers wanting to manage a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) with Microsoft management software can now purchase subscription-based suites. VDI allows users to access personalized desktops from any client and simplifies the provisioning, updating, and decommissioning of desktop environments. The suites license Microsoft's Remote Desktop Services (RDS, formerly Terminal Services), which is built into Windows Server, and three System Center management products for use in a VDI. While customers can skip the suites—by licensing RDS and System Center separately or by licensing alternative third-party products—they may offer the lowest licensing costs and simplify licensing compliance for some customers.

Sections in the Microsoft VDI Licensing Report

• Licensing a Windows-Based VDI Infrastructure
• The Four VDI Suite Offerings
• Comparing Licensing Alternatives
• Why the VDI Suites Were Introduced
• VDI Suite Licensing Model
• Rights Granted by VDI Suites
• VDI Suite Editions
• Resources