Windows Server 2012 Essentials - Do I need CALs?

Install ESXi on the hardware and 2 virtual machines (one DC and one RDS)?

 

I was thinking just that! Although it does complicate things a little for local support, I guess.

 

i'm pretty firmly in the "don't virtualise your only dc" camp. but then at the same time, i'm absolutely against running ts on a dc.

 

Hyper-v RDS server on a full Windows DC?

 

This is just it, isn't it. I don't like a virtual DC at all, but then at the same time, well, TS on a DC is more of a no-no for me I guess haha

that might well be just the ticket!

 

I've never tried installing a virtual server before. Is it difficult?

 

The virtual server (Guest VM) install is the same as on hardware.

Your knowledge of the hypervisor (VM Host) OS/Software and if you can support it would be the deciding factor.

edit: you would also need another windows license for each virtual server you run.

 

Isn't there some weird rule about having two instances of a virtual machine on one license? Even so, ignore that, 'cos it doesn't matter in this instance!

 

Extra windows licenses would be way out of budget . is there a better way of running an OS with the capability of having multiple active rdp sessions?

In a nutshell, the accounting software runs best with terminal server installed. Its pretty much a must. Rdp just let's us access it from other PC's.

 

if you get server 2012 std you can run 2 virtual 2012 servers also without extra licenses, you would still need the rds and client cals though

 

So if I get Server 2012 standard, I can install it and promote it to a DC, then enable Hyper-V, create a virtual server and use it only for RDS sessions? I would need RDS cals and user cals and that's it?

 

That'll do it fine.

 

Yes as saspro said that will do it

 

Aye, and it doesn't leave a virtual DC. Win all round

 

I don't get the fuss about having a Virtual DC?

Maybe back with 2008/R2 but since 2012/R2 it's as happy virtual as physical...

Except for Head Office none of my DCs are physical. Most are Core installs and some are even RODCs, but that's slightly out of scope of this discussion

 

Well this was a waste of time. I've been told to use a copy of Server 2008 that they had "lying around".

Thanks for all the help guys. Rep incoming.