Microsoft announces changes to VECD licensing and technology enhancements to its Virtualization solution

Changes to Windows VECD Licensing - effective July 1, 2010

VECD or Virtual Enterprise Centralized Desktop is a licensing model which is required by customers who implement Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) for Windows clients.

[Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) allows running Virtual images of Windows in a datacenter and clients connect using Remote Desktop Protocol using thin clients or desktop]

Earlier, any customer who wanted to host Windows clients on a VDI platform needed VECD license which was available as VECD for SA (for desktops/thin clients covered under Software Assurance) or VECD (for new desktops/thin clients).

After receiving feedback from customers, Microsoft has revised its licensing policy for VDI as per the following effective July 1st, 2010:

• Customers that use PCs already covered with Windows Client SA to access a virtual desktop do not need any additional licensing. Virtual desktop access rights will be bundled into Windows client SA, thereby further increasing the value of SA.
• For customers intending to use devices that do not qualify for Windows client SA (such as thin clients, third party contractor PCs, etc), Microsoft is introducing a new license called Windows Virtual Desktop Access (Windows VDA). Windows VDA is a device based subscription that retails at $100/year/device, and will be available through all major Microsoft Volume Licensing programs such as EA, Open, Select and Open Value.
• New roaming use rights improve flexibility. Beginning July 1, 2010, Windows Client Software Assurance and new Virtual Desktop Access license customers will have the right to access their virtual Windows desktop and their Microsoft Office applications hosted on VDI technology on secondary, non-corporate network devices, such as home PCs and kiosks.

Virtualization technology enhancements

Additionally, following technology enhancements will make Microsoft Desktop Virtualization solution even more compelling for customers:

• Windows XP Mode no longer requires hardware virtualization technology. This change simplifies the experience by making virtualization more accessible to many more PCs for small and midsize businesses wanting to migrate to Windows 7 Professional or higher editions, while still running Windows XP-based productivity applications.
• Two new features coming in Windows Server 2008 R2 service pack 1. Microsoft Dynamic Memory will allow customers to adjust memory of a guest virtual machine on demand to maximize server hardware use.
• Microsoft RemoteFX will enable users of virtual desktops and applications to receive a rich 3-D, multimedia experience while accessing information remotely.
• New technology agreement with Citrix Systems. The companies will work together to enable the high-definition HDX technology in Citrix XenDesktop to enhance and extend the capabilities of the Microsoft RemoteFX platform.

Rescue for VMware VDI promotion

New VDI promotions available for qualified customers to choose from today. Microsoft and Citrix Systems are offering the “Rescue for VMware VDI” promotion, which allows VMware View customers to trade in up to 500 licenses at no additional cost, and the “VDI Kick Start” promotion, which offers new customers a more than 50 percent discount off the estimated retail price. Eligibility and other details on the two promotions can be found at https://www.citrixandmicrosoft.com.

Source: https://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2010/mar10/03-18desktopvirtpr.mspx