Windows Server 2008 TS/RDS

I’m sure you’re aware that Windows Server 2008 R2 has now been released, but not everyone is aware that Terminal Service (TS) is no more and has been replaced by Remote Desktop Services (RDS).

RDS offers all the same functionality as TS as well as a whole host of new benefits. These new additions include:

• Simplified management with a unified and scalable connection broker for both Session Desktops and VDI Desktops providing:
• Unified Remote Desktop Web Access (RD Web Access) and ‘RemoteApp and Desktop Connection’ feature for access to VDI and Session Desktops
• Ensures users can only see the apps they are supposed to with per-user RemoteApp permissions and filtering
• Provides the user a rich remote experience, bringing the experience closer to that enjoyed by users accessing local computing resources such as:
• True multi-monitor support
• Windows Media® Player redirection,
• Bidirectional audio,
• Enhanced bitmap acceleration for 3D applications and rich media content such as Silverlight and Flash.
• Improved application compatibility and management of RD session host servers with the inclusion of Microsoft Application Virtualization for TS

This last point is especially interesting-“App-V for Terminal Service” is included with the CAL and is no longer a separate product. This applies not only to the 2008 R2 RDS CALs but also 2008 TS CALs. (I’m going to look into if and how it works with existing CALs and post an update here). *Update* I’ve investigated this today and, despite the blog’s wording, it doesn’t apply to Server 2008 TS CALs…it is Server 2008 R2 RDS CALs only.

*Update 2*I received a mail from Alex, the author of the original blog post, today telling me that my previous update was wrong and that is true*. Looking at the FAQ’s here shows that customers who currently have the Windows Server 2008 TS CAL will receive the App-V for TS functionality too-great news 🙂

Customers should find that the App-V for TS software is now available via the Volume Licensing Service Centre (VLSC) from September 1st.

It’s to be noted that “App-V for Desktops” isn’t included in this and is still separately licensed through MDOP.

Because of these extra features, the cost of the CALs will increase by around 5%. However MS are offering them at an equivalent price to the previous CALs until 31/12/09 (again, I’ll check where this promo is running and let you know).

This is another thing that makes Windows Server 2008 R2 an excellent step forward 🙂

The MS RDS Blog is here.

*I’ve apologised to Alex and I aim to correct the source of the incorrect information too. I also want to apologise to anyone who read the incorrect info on here-sorry!