Windows SA Roaming Rights Retired

Software Assurance (SA) coverage for Per-Device Windows Enterprise Upgrade licenses and Per-Device Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) subscriptions initiated or renewed after Feb. 29, 2016, will include Roaming Rights at best as a temporary benefit. This change will affect customers with an Enterprise Agreement (EA) and other organizations relying on Roaming Rights for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) access. Although the impact of the change will be phased in over time depending on current SA coverage end dates, the change will eventually necessitate the use of more expensive Per-User subscriptions to remain compliant.

The Old Rule

Each Per-Device Windows Enterprise Upgrade with SA licenses a device capable of running the Windows Pro edition of the OS to be used by anyone to access virtual desktops running a Windows client OS (commonly called VDI). SA is an add-on subscription to an underlying license that offers version-upgrade rights and other benefits, such as Roaming Rights. After the initial SA period expires, SA can be renewed on its own, without purchasing a new license.