Licensing Microsoft Windows for virtual environments
Virtualization brings about new use cases that did not previously exist in traditional desktop environments. These use cases include the ability to create multiple desktops dynamically, enable user access to multiple virtual machines (VMs) simultaneously, and move desktop VMs across multiple platforms, especially in load-balancing and disaster recovery situations. Microsoft designed Windows Virtual Enterprise Centralized Desktop (VECD) to enable organizations to license virtual copies of Windows client operating systems in virtual environments. VECD includes the following benefits:
Ability to run a copy of Windows in a datacenter
Rights to move virtual machines between servers for increased reliability
Unlimited backup of virtual machines
Ability to access up to four running VM instances per device
Rights to access corporate desktops from home for a user that has already been licensed at work
Availability to volume licensing keys, such as Key Management Service (KMS) and Multiple Activation Keys (MAK)
VECD is a device-based subscription license and is available two ways:
VECD for Software Assurance (SA), which is priced at $23/year
VECD, which is priced at $110/device/year
Note: It is important to know that VECD is mandatory for any virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) deployment that uses virtual copies of Windows, regardless of the underlying infrastructure provider.
For example, a company with 10 thin clients and 10 laptops (not covered under SA) accessing a VDI environment requires a total of 20 Windows VECD licenses (20 x $110/year). However, if the same company has 10 thin clients and 10 laptops covered under SA, it will require 10 VECD licenses (10 x $110/year) and 10 VECD for SA licenses (10 x $23/year).
Customers that purchase the Enterprise Desktop with MDOP are able to use the latest virtualization and management technologies to optimize their desktops. This new SKU simplifies the purchase process for customers that want to add value to their Enterprise Agreement. To learn more about how you can use Windows Virtual Enterprise Centralized Desktop for your VDI environment, please refer to the VDI Licensing brochure.
To get a quote on licensing options for your organization, please contact your local Microsoft Licensing Specialist.
Note: Microsoft reserves the right to modify any prices mentioned on this website. All pricing information is subject to change, and should not be construed as final. Please verify all pricing information with your local Microsoft Licensing Executive.