We have an ERP application using SQL Server 2022 Standard. Users would run its client through RemoteApp on a Remote Desktop Session Host.
With Server + CAL licensing, could one SQL Device CAL cover the session host, or do the users' endpoint devices need SQL CALs too? Assume the required RDS CALs are already in place.
No, the session host doesn't generally let you funnel everyone through a single SQL Device CAL. The users or endpoint devices accessing SQL through the application still need to be covered, even though their access is indirect.
Under Server + CAL, you need the SQL Server license plus appropriate SQL User CALs or Device CALs. RDS CALs are separate and don't replace the SQL CALs. This kind of intermediary access is often discussed under Microsoft's multiplexing rules.
Think about who shares what before choosing CALs. A Device CAL can make sense for a shared endpoint used by several people. A User CAL may be more practical when one person uses several devices. Count the actual users and endpoints that access SQL through the ERP, not just the connections visible to SQL Server.
Compare that cost with per-core licensing for the SQL deployment. The better option depends on the number of users, devices, and cores, so there isn't enough information here to pick one.
One other option to check is SQL Server Express, if the ERP vendor supports it and the workload fits its limits. Database size isn't the only constraint. CPU and memory limits matter too, so check the limits for the specific Express version you're considering.
For a purchase this size, get the proposed setup reviewed against the current Microsoft licensing terms or by your licensing reseller. Include the RemoteApp path, the SQL deployment, and your user and device counts. That should give you a clearer basis for a quote than counting the session host alone.
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thermostat_on_probation:
That makes sense. The RDS host is just the path to the application, not a way to reduce the number of SQL access licenses.