Several options are available to connect users to Windows when they are away from their work PC

This SA (Software Assurance) benefit lets customers use RDS User CALs and RDS User SLs to license access to session desktops hosted on service providers’ servers.

A feature for hosting session desktops that is built into Windows Server’s RDS (Remote Desktop Services) component; renamed with introduction of Windows Server 2008 R2. See Remote Desktop Session Host for in-depth entry.

A Windows Server role (previously called Terminal Services) that allows users to interact over a network with session desktops and virtual desktops (sometimes called VDI), the two types of server-based desktop architectures. See synonym RDS for in-depth entry.

A feature of RDS (Remote Desktop Services) that allows Windows client applications running on a Windows Server machine to interact with a user’s local desktop in a manner that is almost indistinguishable from locally installed applications.

Most often used to describe software that allows a client device to access a Windows-based desktop (OS, shell, desktop applications, user settings and preferences, etc.) hosted on a different device.

This Windows Server role (previously called Terminal Services) allows users to interact over a network with session desktops and virtual desktops (sometimes called VDI), the two types of server-based desktop architectures; licensed with its own unique CAL (Client Access License) and External Connector.

Any server-based desktop infrastructure typically includes three key Microsoft products in the infrastructure layer, which must be licensed: Windows Server, SQL Server, and System Center

Enterprise Agreement customers who use Remote Desktop Services now have a subscription-based licensing option for User Client Access Licenses.

Licensing Remote Desktop Services (RDS) for server-based desktops and remote applications requires understanding the Server + CAL licensing model, including the RDS CAL requirements.