Microsoft VDI and VDA FAQ v3 0.pdfVIP

Licensing the Windows Desktop for VDI Environments Microsoft VDI and Windows VDA Frequently Asked Questions How does Microsoft license the Windows? desktop for virtual environments? Microsoft licenses Windows for virtual desktops by access device: ? Virtual desktop access rights are a benefit of Windows Client Software Assurance (SA). Customers who intend to use PCs covered under SA have access to their Virtual Desktop Infrastruc- ture (VDI) desktops at no additional charge. ? Customers who want to use devices that do not qualify for Windows Client SA, such as thin clients, will need to license those devices with Windows Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) in order to access a Windows VDI desktop. Windows VDA is also applicable to third party devices, such as contractor or employee-owned PCs. What is Windows Virtual Desktop Access (VDA)? Windows VDA is a device based subscription designed to help organizations license devices that do not qualify for Windows Client SA, such as thin clients and contractor-owned PCs, so these devices can access a virtual desktop. Windows VDA is available for $100 / year / device through all major Microsoft Volume Licensing (VL) programs. Pricing is retail pricing in USD, and prices may vary depending on your location and agreement with Microsoft. Microsoft reserves the right to change prices at any time. What if I intend to use my PCs to access my VDI environment? Do I still need Windows VDA? As of July 1st, 2010, the rights to access virtual desktops have been included as a benefit of Windows Software Assurance. Hence, if you intend to use PCs already covered with SA to access your VDI environment, no additional licensing is required. However, if your PCs are not covered under SA, contact your Microsoft representative to understand how to get SA for those PCs, so you can avail of the virtual desktop access rights through Software Assurance today. How do you calculate the number of Windows VDA licenses requ