VMware Horizon Community
thorwitt
Contributor
Contributor

Virtual Desktop Access VDA Windows license included?

I know, if we use a thin client to access a Windows (View VM) we need a VDA (100$ Year) license. But does the VDA license include the Windows 7 OS which we have to install in the View environment for using it with the thin client?

What's the right way to license this?

1. thin client + VDA + Windows OS

2. thin client + VDA (Windows OS included)

3. thin client + Windows OS with software assurance?

Any ideas?

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khenry567
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Enthusiast

OK, Peter, your credentials are telling me that you should know something more than you just imparted.  This not a slam, just a prod for more detailed info from you that can be verified.  I did get the part about having to have a VDA license for any device that did not have a full Windows license covered by SA.  Do you know whether you get a Windows 7 key with each VDA license?  So far no one has answered that question with certainty.  Kieth

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Peter_Grant
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I believe a VDA license is all you need, certainly that's my understanding and I've asked other people in the industry who do VDI and they confirmed. You don't need to buy a separate OS license. This is your OS license.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Peter Grant CTO Xtravirt.com
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vxaxv17
Contributor
Contributor

I have been trying to find an answer to this question so I hit up our MS rep.

They stated:

VDA does not include a “Windows” license. It grants you access to a virtual desktop running a Windows OS.

Sounds to me like you need VDA (which is a yearly subscription, not a license as has been mentioned) + the OS license itself.  Why does MS make this so hard to figure out?

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MoffattThomas
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Enthusiast

Your MS rep is wrong. Purchasing a VDA licenses give you the rights and keys to install a copy of Windows 7 in a virtual desktop environment hosted on a server.

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vxaxv17
Contributor
Contributor

I appreciate the response.  Can you elaborate a little more on this?

Specifically:

What do i need If i have 1 user connecting to a windows 7 virtual desktop via a zero client .

What do i need if I have 1 user connecting to a windows 7 virtual desktop via a windows 7 pc.

Is a single VDA sufficient for either/both of these scenarios?  Obviously the pc will need its own licensed copy of the OS.  Does the VDA cover the methods of access i described?  It seems that MS is not only controlling the licensing on the machines being accessed but also from the machines you are using to access it.  If i want to use an ipad to connect to my virtual desktop do I need anything additional?

Also, since this is a yearly thing, if you keep these virtual desktops around for say 6 years, this would end up costing $600 total for the os licensing, correct?  The longer you keep these around, the more they end up costing.  How is this a realistic replacement for physical desktop pc's when they will end up costing more money (especially if you keep them around long enough).

Thanks again.

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MoffattThomas
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Enthusiast

What do i need If i have 1 user connecting to a windows 7 virtual desktop via a zero client . - You need 1 VDA license.

What do i need if I have 1 user connecting to a windows 7 virtual desktop via a windows 7 pc. - You need 1 VDA license (this allows you to connect to the Virtual machine and provides you with the Windows 7 license for the virtual machine) and 1 Windows 7 license (for the desktop). However, if your desktop Windows 7 license has SA then you do not need the VDA license (because SA gives you the right to connect to a virtual machine and the Windows 7 license with SA lets you install Windows 7 on the virtual machine as well as the desktop).

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vxaxv17
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thanks again.  Definitely appreciate it.  Had a call with the MS rep this morning and someone else from MS and they confirmed what you have said.  The VDA subscription is all that is needed.  However this is a yearly thing and will ultimately end up costing more in end than it would if you could just purchase a windows license and be done with it.  Even if you go with OS license covered by SA, that is still a yearly cost which basically makes virtual desktops too expensive for us to even consider.

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khenry567
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Gunner, can you enlighten all of us on what finally transpired with your licenses.  I see this thread has been viewed 4,888 times so obviously there is a lot of "interest" in the subject of VDA licenses.

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GunnerTAC
Contributor
Contributor

khenry...I'm not sure what you're looking for. I have related everything that has transpired. I purchased 3 VDA licenses and showed a pic of what you see in MS Licensing. Do you have a specific question in mind?

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khenry567
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Enthusiast

Sorry Gunner, now that I reread your one post I realize I didn't mean to send that post to you, and your reply prompted me to reread the whole discussion again, and then realize the answers are all there.

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