Citrix 4 2 acquisition of licenses

Citrix has greatly simplified the licensing process for XenDesktop. There are generally three categories or types of licenses, and you choose the one that matches how you want to group your users. The first is the per-user license: useful when one user has many different devices (iPad, Android phone, MacBook, Chromebook, PC, and so on). With a single per-user license, that user can access resources from an unlimited number of devices.

The three Citrix licensing models

  • Per user — best when one user owns multiple devices and you want a one-to-one license-to-user mapping.
  • Per device — best when several users share the same machine, like in hospitals or schools, where the device is the constant. You license the device, not the user. Many different users can access the same machine without consuming extra licenses.
  • Concurrent — based on simultaneous active connections. A concurrent license is consumed only while an active connection exists; once disconnected, the license returns to the pool and can immediately be reused by another user. Ideal for occasional or anonymous usage.

In the per-device and per-user models, licenses are bound by administrators and cannot be reassigned before 90 days of inactivity. Important note: XenDesktop 7.6 relies heavily on Microsoft Windows Server Remote Desktop Session capabilities. As a result, you will also need Windows Server RDS CAL licenses (Client Access Licenses, the former Terminal Server CALs), in addition to your Citrix licenses.

On top of that, Citrix licensing includes a Subscription Advantage: an annual subscription that guarantees access to all updates and upgrades during its validity. It is not a technical support subscription but a software maintenance one. See you in the next video.

Summary

This lesson covers the three primary Citrix licensing models: user-based licenses for single users with multiple devices, device-based licenses for shared devices accessed by different users, and concurrent/simultaneous licenses based on active connection counts. The content also explains the mandatory dependency on Microsoft Windows Server Remote Desktop Services (RDS) licenses when deploying Citrix infrastructure, and contrasts perpetual licenses with subscription-based licensing that provides continuous updates and product upgrades.

Key points

  • User-based licensing assigns one license per user regardless of device count, ideal when a single user accesses multiple devices (iPad, Android, MacBook, Chromebook, etc.).
  • Device-based licensing assigns licenses per physical device, suitable for shared environments like hospitals and schools where multiple users access the same machines.
  • Concurrent/simultaneous licensing is consumption-based, returning licenses when active connections terminate, perfect for occasional or anonymous access patterns.
  • Windows Server Remote Desktop Services (RDS) licenses are mandatory prerequisites for Citrix deployments on Windows Server infrastructure.
  • Citrix subscriptions provide annual licensing with included product updates and upgrades, whereas perpetual licenses require separate subscription for ongoing updates.
  • Device licenses cannot be reassigned to different users until 90 days of inactivity have elapsed, creating longer commitment periods compared to concurrent models.

FAQ

When should I choose user-based vs device-based Citrix licensing?

Use user-based licensing when individual users access multiple diverse devices and need consistent access across all their endpoints. Choose device-based licensing in environments like hospitals or schools where multiple different users share the same physical machines and you need to license the equipment rather than the individual.

Do I need Windows Server licenses in addition to Citrix licenses?

Yes. Citrix depends heavily on Microsoft Windows Server Remote Desktop Services (RDS) capabilities. You must license both Citrix and Windows Server with appropriate RDS licenses to legally deploy the infrastructure.

What is the difference between Citrix perpetual licenses and subscriptions?

Perpetual licenses represent a one-time purchase, while subscriptions are annual payments that guarantee access to all product updates and upgrades. Subscriptions ensure you stay current with the latest versions and improvements.