remote desktop - Can we install Microsoft Office on a Windows server for simultaneous multi-user access?

07
2014-07
  • JulienVan

    Is it possible to install Microsoft Office on a Windows server and using it simultaneously by several users connected by remote desktop connection?

    This link states that it would not be legal because a single-user license would be used by multiple users. But is it technically possible, and can we register a license for every user to keep it legal?

    What operating system would be the most appropriate for sharing access to files and software by RDP to 15 users simultaneously?

    Thank you!

    • Answers
  • mtak

    Technically you can set up a Terminal Server (Win2k12: Remote Desktop Services) and install Office for all users. You would have to contact your Microsoft Reseller for licensing options (I have it seen being done legally, so it is possible). Keep in mind that you also need Client Access Licenses for the terminal server.

    As for your second question, you could either use Windows 2008 or Windows 2012. It wouldn't matter much. Clients can be either Windows 7 or 8.

  • VBwhatnow

    No, Office licenses cover desktops using office. If you remotely access Office you must have a license for each desktop doing so.

    "Every device that uses Windows Server Remote Desktop Services to remotely access Microsoft Office requires a Remote Desktop Services CAL, in addition to Windows Server CAL and a Microsoft Office license. Dedicate a Microsoft Office license for every desktop on or from which you plan to use or access Microsoft Office, even if that use is only occasional. http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/about-licensing/briefs/remote-desktop-services.aspx

  • cdavid

    Also, take a look at the new Azure RemoteApp - also by the Remote Dekstop Services team at Microsoft: https://www.remoteapp.windowsazure.com/ . This allows you to run your programs from cloud VMs (same technology as on premise, in theory you just save on maintenance costs). It's in Public Preview now (so it's free) and the cloud deployment comes with a Windows Server 2012R2 + Office image. So, until this hits GA (global availability), you can get it for free.

    *side notes: there are limits on number of users that can connect (I believe 10 concurrent users), but this can be lifted by contacting Microsoft. Also, this allows you to possibly integrate with your existing AD deployment (if you have one) by using the hybrid mode. More docs here: http://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/services/remoteapp/


    • Related Question

    remote desktop - How to see what users are doing in Windows Server 2008
  • tony_sid

    If you are the Administrator and users are remotely logged into your system, is there a way for you to see what those users see?


    • Related Answers
  • harrymc

    Perhaps you are looking for Configure Remote Control of Remote Desktop Services Sessions :

    You can monitor the actions of a client logged on to an RD Session Host server by using remote control from another session. Remote control allows you to either observe or actively control a client session. If you choose to actively control a client session, you will be able to input keyboard and mouse actions to the session. You can warn a client that you want to remotely control their session by choosing to display a message on the client that asks permission to view or take part in the session.

    The article applies to Windows Server 2008 R2, but I have seen a similar mechanism already used since Windows Server 2003 R2.

  • Nicu Zecheru

    In Computer Management | Shared Folders you should be able to see the users logged in and what files they are currently accessing (select Shares, Sessions and Open Files)