Licensing Server-Based Desktops for Microsoft and Partners

Organizations deploy server-based or virtual desktop solutions from Microsoft and third parties such as Citrix to centrally manage their desktops and keep data secure. It is possible to deploy an infrastructure for server-based desktops without using a Microsoft product. However, in most cases the infrastructure for a server-based desktop solution will incorporate at least one Microsoft product, such as Windows Server, SQL Server, or System Center. If a third-party server-based desktop infrastructure does utilize a Microsoft product, the organization must ensure it is licensed correctly and not assume that the third party has licensed it on the organization’s behalf.

A desktop is composed of an OS (such as Windows 7), applications (such as Microsoft Office), and the data that a user needs to perform her job. When the desktop runs on a user’s local device, it is a local desktop. However, if the desktop runs on servers in a data center and the user connects to the desktop across a network, it is a server-based desktop.