[Question]: About Microsoft Windows Licensing for Commercial Use of RemoteApp in Docker Containers

[minhtk1]

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Question

"Hello, I am planning to deploy a Windows-based Docker container for commercial purposes using the dockur/windows project. Specifically, I need to implement the RemoteApp functionality for remote desktop applications. Could you clarify if there are any specific licensing requirements from Microsoft for using Windows in this containerized environment, especially when the setup will be used commercially?

I am aware that a valid Windows license is needed, but are there additional considerations or restrictions when running Windows in a Docker container, especially regarding RemoteApp and its use in a production environment?

I would greatly appreciate your insights on this matter, including any relevant Microsoft licensing guidelines or potential issues I should be aware of when deploying in a commercial setting. Thank you!"

This question should help you gather the necessary information about licensing requirements, particularly for commercial use, with an emphasis on RemoteApp in a Docker container.

[thecreativeone91]

You should reach out to your VAR or Microsoft EA rep about licensing. IMO this docker container is really meant for hobby use I personally would never endorse using something like this commercially due to the support risks. It's just QEMU in a docker meaning it's a standard VM running in a docker container.

Off the top of my head that means for a desktop OS as a VM it is going to require a VDA license at minimum if you don't (or rather the client devices accessing the OS) have a SA. If you have SA for endpoints (windows desktop clients) then SA covers the access rights with SA. Thinclients or other non SA Devices will still need a VDA license. This is in addition to your cost of Windows Licensing itself. You will pretty much need the same licensing as running full VDI except for the VDI broker services licensing (VMware Horizon/Citrix)