Updated: July 10, 2020 (August 18, 2008)

Licensing Desktop OS Architectures

Rob Horwitz analyzes and writes about Microsoft licensing programs and product licensing rules. He also trains organizations on best Microsoft... more

There are many options for providing a Windows desktop for users, thanks to faster networks, better protocols for working with remote instances of the OS, and other advances. This chart outlines the main options and their licensing implications.

Some options require purchase of Software Assurance (SA) coverage for Windows desktops. A subscription offering, SA provides the right to upgrade to new software versions released during the term of coverage, grants additional product usage rights, and offers other benefits.

Type/Description	Main Appeal	Licensing Implications
Traditional PC. Windows desktop OS image is installed and boots from local drive and executes on local machine. OS and applications execute on local PC.	Takes full advantage of local PC’s graphics and processing capabilities and allows users to work offline.	Desktop PC needs a Windows desktop OS license.
Terminal Services. Single instance of Windows Server hosts a desktop and applications on

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