Differences between Windows Server 2008 and Release 2

Windows Server 2008 R2, as already indicated, is not an optimized version of Server 2008, but a standalone server system software that uses a new version of the Windosw operating system. In this course, some names of central functions have been renamed, especially the term "Terminal" has been replaced by "Remote". For example, the Terminal Services from Windows Server 2008 are now called Remote Desktop Services, the Terminal Services RemoteApp is now called RemoteApp, Terminal Service Gateway becomes Remote Desktop Gateway and the Terminal Services Session Broker is called Remote Desktop Connection Broker. The most important new features are described briefly below.

Hyper-V 2.0 offers optimized virtualization

Hyper-V, which is already included in Windows Server 2008, offers significant enhancements in R2: New functions for cluster creation now enable the relocation of virtual servers to other hosts while the system is running - also known as Live Migration. Users can thus continue to access the server without restrictions while working. Failover clustering is also possible in Hyper-V 2.0 - depending on the Windows Server 2008 R2 Edition.

Cluster Shared Volumes for Virtual Server Management

With the Cluster Shared Volumes (CSV) in Windows Server 2008 R2, it is now possible to hypervisor multiple virtual machines with a single logical unit number. This makes it easier to manage or store services for highly available virtual environments, as they no longer require a separate LUN for each. Cluster Shared Volumes allow multiple nodes to access a disk simultaneously.

In addition, Dynamic I/O significantly increases server availability. This feature offers the possibility to automatically route the data traffic via another node in case of a failure of a cluster node.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

Hyper-V 2.0 in Windows Server 2008 R2 now also offers the option of providing desktops in a virtual environment to users via the optimized Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) with Presentation Virtualization. The feature is a component of the RemoteApps and also has the advantage that individual applications can be virtualized, which can be used like normally installed programs.

PowerShell 2.0 - larger set of CMDlets

The new version 2.0 PowerShell in Windows Server 2008 R2 now contains more than 240 CMDlets (command-lead). In addition, it is now possible to configure and manage Hyper-V not only locally, but also over the network using PowerShell. For this purpose, it has a graphical interface with which scripts can be created.

DirectAccess for Windows Server 2008 R2

DirectAccess now offers a powerful, protected VPN connection to the company network in Windows Server 2008 R2. Even before a user logs in, DirectAccess establishes a tunnel as soon as Internet access is available. This function mainly affects access via notebook outside the company network, so far one of the biggest security gaps that can be closed by this. Remote clients can be configured with DirectAccess just as securely as stationary company PCs.

The Microsoft licensing model for Windows Server 2008 with CALs

Depending on the server edition, Microsoft offers different licensing options.

This means that the Standard Windows Server 2008 and Server 2008 R2, for example, each consist of two components: a server license that entitles you to install the functions and services of the software on the company server and one or more client access licenses - CALs that entitle individual users to use these services.

Especially the frequently installed editions Standard and Enterprise for Windows Server 2008 R2 are alternatively available with server licenses in addition to processor licensing. Here, the number of existing processors and CPU cores of the servers is irrelevant.

The main advantage of this licensing model is that smaller or even medium-sized companies with a smaller number of users can use it to access the tools and functions of the server software. Because the number of corresponding CALs can be scaled as required, you only need to purchase exactly the number of CALs that you actually need for your employees.

EnhanceWindows Server Editions 2012 and 2012 R2 with User or Device CALs

When licensing with CALs, Microsoft also distinguishes between two types: client access licenses for a user and client access licenses for a Windows end device. The respective CAL thus represents a single license, which only ever allows a single user or end device access to the corresponding licensed Windows Server version.

This distinction between user-based and device-based CALs means that you should be aware of how many of each type of CAL you need before purchasing the corresponding individual licenses. This is because each access license, once assigned to a specific user or device, cannot be transferred to another user or device at a later date. It is also not possible to use the User CAL as a device CAL or vice versa.

However, it is possible to combine both types of licenses for access to the Windows within a company. Your total CAL requirements are thus calculated from the

Sum of users and end devices that should be authorized to use the server software. In this way, Microsoft prevents devices or users without the appropriate CAL from gaining access to the server services, which also means that sensitive data is protected from strangers or unauthorized persons.

Each type of the two Client Access licenses has specific advantages, so that the license purchase can be influenced by one or more of the factors described below.

User CAL for Windows Server 2008 or 2008 R2

With a Single User CAL for Windows Server 2008 / R2 exactly one user gets access to all server functions of the software. Because the user client access license is tied to one person, that person is also free to choose the device they use to access the server.

User CAL offers the advantage that it enables access to the company server at very different locations - whether from a stationary PC at the workplace in the company or from a mobile device on the road - e.g. via smartphone or laptop at the customer's premises, in the home office or at another company location. User CAL therefore focuses primarily on the location and device-independent use of Windows Server 2008 / R2 Services.

Device CAL for Windows Server 2008 or 2008 R2

The Single Device CAL for Windows Server 2008 / 2008 R2 also offers certain advantages, which become particularly apparent when several employees access the server services jointly but alternately. This purely device-related client access license is therefore valid for a single device only, which thus receives access rights for the Windows Server 2008 or R2. It does not matter what type of device it is, as long as it is Windows. It also does not matter whether it is used in a company or mobile. The Device CAL shows its advantages especially when employees do not have to access the server all the time, but only in shift operation or within the scope of limited projects.

The right decision: Device CAL or User CAL - or the combination?

Choosing the right client access licenses can therefore help to save licensing costs. However, there is often no clear preference as to which CAL best reflects the work structures - Device CAL or User CAL. In this case, the combined purchase of both license types offers the most advantages. The combination of both client access licenses is technically no problem, although, as already mentioned, the CALs themselves cannot be switched.

User and Device CALs for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 - at a special price from Wiresoft

If you want to supplement your need for user or device access licenses for Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2, Wiresoft is your competent licensing partner. We will advise you on your concrete need for CALs for your Windows Server system, which can be purchased as convenient single licenses. This way you can save a lot of money compared to license bundles, because you have the possibility to buy additional CALs - whether Device or User CALs. This way your Windows Server system is always custom-licensed - without unnecessary costs.

All Microsoft Server Client Access Licenses are original Microsoft products and are available at Wiresoft at a particularly favourable price. Because with us you profit from the price advantage of used original software, which was acquired by European enterprises and examined for authenticity and is thus 100% usable also in your company or organization. Many of our customers have already recognized the economic advantages of buying Microsoft software licenses from Wiresoft. In addition to our range of CALs for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2, you will also find many other Microsoft Server licenses. If you have any questions about your licensing with CALs for Microsoft Server 2008 or version 2008 R2, please contact us by e-mail, phone or here in the chat.