The Microsoft Windows Remote Desktop Services (RDS) are the successors of the old Terminal Server CALs. RDS is a centralized desktop and application platform that provides a variety of ways to deliver and manage desktops and connect remote workers with virtualization of sessions and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) technologies. It helps you increase enterprise agility and data security with a centralized desktop solution while helping your IT department in managing desktops and applications.

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) features

• Easier management through a unified and scalable connection broker for both session desktops and VDI desktops
• Unify RD Web Access and RemoteApp and Desktop Connection functionality to access VDI and Session desktops
• RemoteApp permission and filters allow users to see only the applications they want to use
• Rich remote experience for the user for accessing local resources:
• Complete multi-monitor support
• Windows Media Player redirection
• Audio feed and audio recording
• Increased bitmap acceleration for 3D applications and rich media content, such as Silverlight and Flash
• Improved application compatibility and management of Remote Desktop Session Host servers, including App-V for RDS

Comparison with Terminal Server CALs

The Remote Desktop Services are equivalent to the Terminal Server CALs in functionality. Unlike Terminal Server CALs, Remote Desktop Services already includes Microsoft Application Virtualization for Terminal Services (App-V) usage rights.

Licensing

RDS are licensed for every device that accesses a terminal server. The RDS, like other CALs from Microsoft, is for a named user (User CAL) or device (Device CAL).