XPUnlimited and Microsoft Licenses

Windows XP

It is legal to use XPUnlimited on top of Windows XP. If you want to know the details, read the license terms of Windows XP Professional SP2.
The license terms of Windows XP Professional SP2 can be downloaded here. We have already downloaded it for you; click here.
Read paragraph 1.4; it is about the (unlimited) number of Remote Desktop Sessions.

Windows Server

Whenever Remote Desktops are done on Windows Server, sometimes the Terminal Server Licensing process is required. Click here for the FAQ how to install it.

There are good reasons why you want to use Windows Server:

  • more internal memory is possible.
  • Windows Server comes with several tools that can be important for the IT Administration.
  • multiple logins with the same userID is possible.

The combination of XPUnlimited and Windows Server does offer you a better and cheaper solution then Citrix.

There are also good reasons why you do not want to use Windows Server:

  • Windows Server licenses are more expensive.
  • Many application do run fine on Windows XP but not on Windows Server.

Windows Vista

It is legal to use XPUnlimited on top of Windows Vista Business and Ultimate. If you want to know the details, read the license terms of Windows Vista.
The license terms of Windows Vista Business and Ultimate can be downloaded here.
We have already downloaded it for you:

Read the paragraph called "Remote Access Technologies"; it is about the (unlimited) number of Remote Desktop Sessions.

Generic

XPUnlimited does not include TS-CALs or other Microsoft Licenses. If you need Microsoft licenses, contact your Microsoft representive or reseller. You are adviced to check which licenses and how many licenses you already have. Usually hardware is sold including Microsoft licenses, so you might already have more Windows licenses then you know.

Summary

  • XPUnlimited Enterprise for Windows XP and Vista will give you the same functionality as with Windows Server (except for the multiple logins with the same userID).
  • XPUnlimited Enterprise for Windows Server is a low cost alternative to Citrix.
  • XPUnlimited Enterprise for Windows XP or Vista is a very low cost alternative to both Windows Server and Citrix.

Our advice

We prefer XPUnlimited ontop of Windows XP. It has the best ratio for performance & functionality versus costs.

Note

IPConsult is not affiliated with Microsoft, nor do we represent them. We do not sell any Microsoft product to you. If you want more information about Windows EULAs, TS-CALs or related issues, you should direct your questions to your Microsoft representive or reseller.

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