[windows software] RDS Grace Period - Moral Query

[Steve21]

Afternoon All,

 

Random question, which I guess is more of a moral vs technical question. So my new place I took over this year currently has no RDS server and is relying on VPN on school devices, but as things are changing and people using their own devices we're going to be implementing a standard RDS/Apps server etc alongside the VPN to allow more devices to utilise it.

 

Now our main OVS renewal comes up in July~ so is a fair way off in terms of renewing early to add on licenses, but with the 120/180 (can't remember which it is) day grace period on RDS servers is there anything legally that's stopping us creating one in advance, for full usage rather than testing etc, and then adding the proper licenses into our OVS renewal come July?

 

Can't seem to find anything which explains what the "Official" purpose of the grace period is there for and any limits for it

 

Many thanks,

Steve

[synaesthesia]

Hard to say these days but Microsoft's stance over the last 10 years hasn't changed much - during meetings and events with them they've always been open and saying they won't be checking up on people especially schools as the majority do the right thing anyway. Particularly now during Covid I don't expect they will give two hoots, rather like a lot of companies in similar situations like Teamviewer. I wouldn't worry too much.

[aicrd]

Agree. I'd say the 120 days is for lab only however I doubt Microsoft would care, especially so close to your renewal. As long as you purchase the CALS and become compliant ASAP you should be fine.

[FragglePete]

If you makes you feel better Steve, I got a RDS server setup before our OVS came up for renewal. Used it for the 120 day grace period and happily ordered the RDS CALs at renewal.

 

Over these past lock downs it has been a life saver for our main admin staff who would normally sit in the Office doing data analyst, SIMS work, etc. We've just implemented MFA on it as well and it seems to work quite nicely.

 

Pete

[Steve21]

Thanks all, glad to see there shouldn't hopefully be a problem then! One more thing I can try to get ticked off prior to Summer

 

Steve