XenDesktop 4 Licensing FAQ - Citrix Knowledge Center

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FAQ
Licensing FAQ |
XenDesktop 4
XenDesktop 4 Licensing FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
May 26, 2010
This document is answers frequently asked questions about
Citrix XenDesktop 4 Licensing, Pricing and Packaging and is
intended for all audiences – customers, Citrites and Citrix
partners.
Table of Contents
Licensing .................................................................................................................................... 2
License Management ................................................................................................................. 6
License Overdraft ....................................................................................................................... 9
Mixed Environment Licensing................................................................................................... 10
Licensed Components.............................................................................................................. 11
License Upgrade ...................................................................................................................... 17
Microsoft Licensing................................................................................................................... 21
Disaster Recovery and Maintenance........................................................................................ 23
www.citrix.com

Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Licensing
Q: How is XenDesktop 4 packaged?
A: XenDesktop 4 is offered in VDI, Enterprise and Platinum Editions:
• Citrix XenDesktop 4, VDI Edition – for scalable VDI desktop implementations with Citrix
HDX technology
• Citrix XenDesktop 4, Enterprise Edition – enterprise-class desktop virtualization with ondemand
applications and FlexCast technology, in addition to the features of the VDI Edition
• Citrix XenDesktop 4, Platinum Edition – comprehensive desktop virtualization with
advanced management and security, in addition to the features of Enterprise edition
In addition, Citrix continues to offer XenDesktop, Express Edition – a simple, free download for
up to ten users that enables IT professionals to get started easily.
Q: How is XenDesktop 4 licensed?
A: Citrix XenDesktop product licensing is changing with the release of XenDesktop 4 to a flexible
user and device license model that aligns with enterprise-wide desktop usage and the underlying
Microsoft desktop virtualization licensing. Customers can choose to assign a license to either a user or
a device. This means that users can have unlimited device access and devices can have unlimited users.
This approach provides customers with maximum flexibility and also improves alignment with
Microsoft desktop virtualization licensing.
Q: Is XenDesktop 4 offered in a concurrent license model?
A: Yes, but only in the VDI Edition, where it is appropriate for the use case. This edition is for VDIonly
projects and licensed in a per user, per device, or a concurrent license model. XenDesktop 4
Platinum and Enterprise Editions are available only in the per user or per device license model.
XenApp continues to be available with concurrent user licensing and pricing.
Q: Can I upgrade my XenDesktop 4 VDI Edition CCU licenses to the per user
or per device model?
A: Yes. XenDesktop 4 VDI CCU licenses can be upgraded to the per user or per device license model
of either XenDesktop 4 Enterprise or Platinum Edition. XenDesktop 4 VDI Edition CCU licenses
cannot be converted to XenDesktop 4 VDI Edition per user or per device licenses. Similarly,
XenDesktop 4 VDI Edition per user or per device licenses cannot be converted to XenDesktop 4
VDI Edition CCU licenses.
Q: Why are Platinum and Enterprise editions not offered with CCU licensing?
A: XenDesktop Platinum and Enterprise editions, with FlexCast and on-demand applications by
XenApp are designed to extend desktop virtualization to all users across the enterprise. Going
enterprise-wide means XenDesktop must deliver virtual desktops to all users, which is why these
editions are offered with user licensing - ensuring all users have unlimited access to their virtual
desktops, every time, everywhere.
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Q: Why has Citrix changed licensing with the release of XenDesktop 4?
A: XenDesktop 4 licensing is changing to align with an enterprise wide desktop usage model. Users
want to have access to their desktops 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to work, so a shared licensing
model does not effectively meet the needs of a desktop virtualization solution. For organizations
making a strategic commitment to desktop virtualization, user licensing is the best fit. However, many
customers also have use cases where the ability to license devices is critical. The ability to choose
between user and device license models, at the same prices, gives customers the best of both worlds.
Q: How does Citrix define a licensed user of XenDesktop 4?
A: With XenDesktop 4, a licensed user simply requires a unique user ID, typically an Active Directory
entry, or the equivalent. There is no requirement to manage a separate or specific list of authorized
users. If multiple users are sharing the same user ID, they each require a XenDesktop 4 user license. If
a user connects to their desktop(s) and/or applications with multiple devices (desktop PC, laptop,
netbook, smartphone and/or thin client) the user needs just one XenDesktop 4 user license, even if all
of the user’s devices are connected to one or more instances of XenDesktop 4 concurrently.
Q: How does Citrix define a licensed device for XenDesktop 4?
A: With XenDesktop 4, a licensed device simply requires a unique device ID. Under the device model,
a device is a device authorized by you to be used by any individual(s) to access instances of
XenDesktop 4 through your assignment of the device identity to a device log, regardless of whether or
not the device is being used at any given time. For a shared device, like a classroom workstation, or a
clinical workstation in a hospital, a single XenDesktop device license can support multiple users.
Q: How does Citrix define a licensed concurrent user for XenDesktop 4?
A: With XenDesktop 4, a licensed concurrent user is an anonymous floating user licensed only for the
period during which access to a XenDesktop 4 environment is required. Once access is terminated by
the anonymous user, the license is immediately available for another anonymous user to consume. As
users are anonymous, licenses are consumed by each instance accessed concurrently by one or more
devices..
Q: Can customers have both user and device licensing in the same
enterprise?
A: Yes. Both user and device licenses can be served from a single license server. This provides Citrix
customers with full flexibility to assign user and/or device licenses to meet their requirements for
virtual desktops across the enterprise.
Q: How does a customer decide how many users and devices to license?
A: Customers should assess their use case requirements to determine the appropriate number of user
or device licenses. User licensing enables unlimited access to unlimited virtual desktops and virtual
applications from an unlimited number of devices. Device licensing enables unlimited access to
unlimited virtual desktops and virtual applications from a single device that can be used by an
unlimited number of users. Users who require unlimited access to their virtual desktops or need access
from multiple devices are best served with a user license. Users who share a single device are best
served by a device license.
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Q: How does concurrent (CCU) licensing work differently from user and
device licensing?
A: CCU licensing is based on concurrent device connections to XenDesktop 4. A license is only
considered in use when a device has established an active connection to a virtual desktop. This allows
multiple users or multiple devices to share licenses. This licensing model is best for occasional or
anonymous usage. User licensing is best for users that require unlimited access to their virtual
desktops and who cannot risk being denied access at any time. Device licensing is best for users that
share access to a common device and do not require access from other devices such as personal PCs.
Q: What is the maximum number of devices a XenDesktop 4 licensed user
can use to connect to my environment?
A: Each licensed user is entitled to use an unlimited number of connected or offline devices.
Q: What is the maximum number of virtual desktops a XenDesktop 4
licensed user can consume at any given time?
A: Each licensed user is entitled to consume an unlimited number of virtual desktops.
Q: What is the maximum number of virtual applications a XenDesktop 4
licensed user can consume at any given time?
A: Each licensed user is entitled to consume an unlimited number of virtual applications.
Q: What is the maximum number of users who can access a XenDesktop 4
licensed device?
A: Each licensed device can service an unlimited number of users within an organization.
Q: What happens if a licensed user of XenDesktop 4 exits my organization?
A: If an existing licensed user leaves your organization, you have the right to permanently reassign the
departing user’s license to another user in your organization. Citrix does not need notification of the
reassignment of a user license. In every scenario, a user license is required for every unique user
entitled to access a XenDesktop 4 environment.
Q: What happens if a licensed user of XenDesktop 4 is absent for a
protracted period of time?
A: Should an existing licensed user experience a protracted period of absence, the customer has the
right to reassign the absent licensed user’s license to another temporary user for the period of absence
only. In every scenario, a user license is required for every unique user ID entitled to access a
XenDesktop 4 environment and for each user sharing a user ID.
Q: What happens if a licensed device of XenDesktop 4 is replaced in my
organization?
A: If an existing licensed device is replaced in a customer’s organization, the customer is provided with
the right to permanently reassign the departing device’s license to another device in their organization.
Citrix does not need to be notified of the reassignment of a device license. In every scenario, a device
license is required for every identified device entitled to access a XenDesktop 4 environment.
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Q: What happens if a XenDesktop 4 licensed device is out of service for a
period of time?
A: If an existing XenDesktop 4 licensed device is out of service for a period of time, then a device
license can be assigned to a loaner device for the out of service period only (while the original device is
being repaired).
Q: Can user licenses be switched to device licenses and vice-versa after
they have been assigned to a device or user?
A: Yes. As noted above, customers can re-assign licenses based on normal changes in business
requirements. In addition, license use can be monitored to identify “un-used” licenses after its 90-day
assignment period. Licenses identified as unused after the 90-day assignment period are available to
be re-assigned to other users or devices.
Q: Will the concurrent (CCU) licensing for existing XenApp
Advanced/Enterprise/Platinum continue to be available?
A: Yes. Citrix continues to offer and invest in the XenApp product line sold under a concurrent
licensing model.
Q: Will I lose out with XenDesktop 4 per user or per device licensing model if
I have a high concurrency XenApp implementation?
A: No. For high concurrency scenarios, customers can continue to use and purchase additional
XenApp CCU licenses. In addition, XenApp continues to offer hosted shared desktops (published
desktops), application isolation, application streaming and VM hosted applications under a concurrent
user licensing model. If your department requires a VDI solution, XenDesktop VDI Edition under a
concurrent license model can be an excellent complement to your XenApp deployment.
Q: How do I get an Evaluation copy of XenDesktop 4?
A: There are multiple options available to obtain an Evaluation copy of XenDesktop 4. Citrix
recommends customers can contact an authorized Citrix Solutions Advisor who can assist in obtaining
and deploying an evaluation. . Customers can also go to the Citrix corporate website to download an
evaluation copy directly.
Q: What deliverables should I expect with an Evaluation copy of XenDesktop
4?
A: A XenDesktop 4 Evaluation copy provides a 90-day, 99 user/device license and media that offer
you the flexibility of selecting from the Platinum, Enterprise, or VDI editions.
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
License Management
Q: How do I license XenDesktop 4 environments in compliance with the
XenDesktop 4 EULA?
A: Licensing XenDesktop 4 in a compliant manner will depend on which license model and edition
you have purchased.
To deploy XenDesktop 4 under the user license model in compliance with the XenDesktop 4 EULA,
you must use your directory services infrastructure (such as OU in Microsoft Active Directory) to
demarcate the XenDesktop 4 licensed user community. Note that licenses must be assigned on
permanent basis to all users identified in this group.
To deploy XenDesktop 4 under the device license model in compliance with the XenDesktop 4
EULA, you must assign a unique device identity to a device log for ALL devices licensed to access a
XenDesktop 4 environment, regardless of whether or not the device is being used at any given time.
Your device log is a manually created and edited file. A device is defined as any piece of equipment
authorized by you to be used by any individual(s) to access instances of XenDesktop 4 through your
assignment of the device identity to the device log.
To deploy XenDesktop 4 under the concurrent user license model in compliance with the
XenDesktop 4 EULA, you need only apply the licenses to your license server. License consumption in
a concurrent user license model is anonymous and licenses are delivered on a first come first served
basis until ALL licenses are checked out an no more anonymous connections can be supported
without the purchase and deployment of additional licenses to the license server.
Q: Does XenDesktop 4 licensing use my directory services infrastructure?
A: Yes, for the user licensing model only. XenDesktop 4 leverages directory services (such as OU in
Microsoft Active Directory) user groups to demarcate licensed users.
Q: What TCP ports are used for Citrix Licensing?
A: The License Server uses port 27000 and the Vendor Daemon uses port 7279.
Q: What is the Citrix License Server?
A: The Citrix License Server is a system that allows licenses to be shared across the network.
Q: Can I virtualize the Citrix License Server?
A: Yes.
Q: What benefits are available to me if I virtualize the Citrix License Server?
A: If you virtualize the Citrix License Server, you get a redundancy solution that allows mobility
between multiple physical servers without the need for down time.
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Q: Are there any limitations that I should consider if I virtualize the Citrix
License Server?
A: No.
Q: Will the Citrix License Server manage all the licenses that I need for my
XenDesktop 4 deployment?
A: All licenses you receive for XenDesktop 4 are managed with the Citrix License Server, with the
exception of licenses in Platinum edition used with Access Gateway and Branch Repeater. Those
licenses are managed on license servers built-in to the network appliances as required for those
security oriented network devices. Earlier versions of the Virtual Machine Infrastructure feature of
XenDesktop Enterprise Edition are licensed and managed independently of the License Server. This
requirement has been removed with the release of XenServer 5.6, with licensing for XenDesktop 4
Virtual Management Infrastructure now supported by the License Server.
Q: What is the Citrix License Administration Console?
A: The License Administration Console is an interface that enables customers to manage the licenses
for Citrix infrastructure and is required for Citrix product implementations.
Q: What is the license assignment period?
A: The license assignment period is the term that a XenDesktop 4 license is assigned to a user or
device. The default license assignment period is 90 days. Longer assignment periods are always
permitted. Reassignment may occur in a shorter period under limited circumstances. For example, the
permanent or temporary reassignment of a user of device license rights granted are not limited by the
90 day assignment period.
Q: How do I remove an authorized user and assign their license to another
employee?
A: To remove an authorized user, remove the user from the XenDesktop 4 user group of your
directory services infrastructure.
To add a user, add the user to the XenDesktop 4 user group of your directory services infrastructure.
Q: How do I authorize a device to access XenDesktop 4?
A: Administrators do not authorize devices to access XenDesktop 4. Authorized users, as demarcated
in your directory services infrastructure (for example: OU in Microsoft Active Directory), can
authenticate to the corporate network from any device available. Note that this might include any
number of public network locations (such as mobile kiosks and internet cafés).
Q: What happens if a customer assigns the wrong license type under the
user/device model?
A: In instances when a customer accidentally assigns the wrong license type, the customer will have
the flexibility to re-assign licenses to support the needs of the business within the 90 day default
license assignment period. Under these circumstances, administrators must verify that the change(s)
made within the 90 day license period is caused by an assignment error.
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Q: How do I know how many licenses my organization has purchased?
A: All purchased licenses are available to review and access at any time from the secure My Citrix
portal (www.mycitrix.com).
Q: How do I know which users are consuming the licenses?
A: Customers can use the group functionality of their directory services infrastructure to demarcate
clearly and immediately identify their licensed user community.
Q: How do I know how many licenses are in use at any time?
A: From the License Administration Console (LAC) administrators can see real time license use.
Administrators can also use License Server Monitoring reports based on EdgeSight technology,
recently released as part of XenDesktop 4 Feature Pack 1 and XenApp 6.
Q: What happens if I exceed my purchased license count?
A: In situations where you exceed your purchased license count of XenDesktop 4, you can take
advantage of the XenDesktop 4 license overdraft feature, exclusive to XenDesktop 4. The inclusion of
the overdraft feature enables customers who are experiencing unexpected growth or usage spikes to
continue to grant uninterrupted access while they purchase new licenses. Note: Should the usage spike
exceed the overdraft amount, a new license must be purchased and deployed to enable access for
additional users.
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
License Overdraft
Q: What is the license overdraft feature?
A: The XenDesktop 4 license overdraft feature is specific to user/device license model deployments
ONLY and allows a limited number of additional user licenses to be provided to support temporary
spikes in demand until such time as an additional purchase can be completed.
Q: How do I get overdraft licenses?
A: XenDesktop 4 customers automatically receive their XenDesktop 4 overdraft licenses when they
purchase and allocate XenDesktop 4 licenses in multiples of ten.
Q: How can I identify license overdraft?
A: The license overdraft count appears in a separate column within the License Management Console.
See the screen shot below. Note: The installed column shows the purchased license total plus the
associated overdraft total.
Q: What happens when a license is consumed from the overdraft feature?
A: A license is assigned from your installed licenses to enable access to your XenDesktop 4
environment. This overdraft license provides the same level of access and functionality as your other
edition specific licenses.
Q: Can I run reports on overdraft usage?
A: At this time there are no specific reporting tools provided to track overdraft usage.
Q: Can I get an alert when my overdraft licenses are consumed?
A: At this time, there are no specific alerts provided when overdraft licenses are consumed.
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Mixed Environment Licensing
Q: Can I purchase XenDesktop 4 licenses to increase the number of licensed
users in my existing XenApp or XenDesktop 4 environment?
A: Yes. You can purchase XenDesktop 4 licenses to increase the number of licensed users in your
existing XenApp or XenDesktop 4 environment. Note: XenDesktop 4 is licensed under a user,
device, or concurrent model. Best practice is to version upgrade your entire environment to
XenDesktop 4 or later to simplify management of licensed users or devices.
Q: Can XenDesktop 4 CCU licenses from a previous version and the new
XenDesktop 4 user, device, or concurrent licenses be deployed to a single
license server?
A: Yes. Customers can continue to utilize the same license server to support user, device or
concurrent licensed deployments of XenDesktop. Note: XenDesktop 4 is licensed under a user, device
or concurrent model. Best practice is to version upgrade your entire environment to XenDesktop 4 to
simplify management of licensed users and devices.
Q: Can XenApp CCU licenses and XenDesktop 4 user, device or concurrent
licenses be deployed to a single license server?
A: Yes. Customers can continue to utilize the same license server to support XenApp concurrent and
XenDesktop user, device or concurrent licensed deployments. Note: XenDesktop 4 is licensed under a
user, device or concurrent model. Best practice is to version upgrade your entire environment to
XenDesktop 4 to simplify management of licensed users or devices.
Q: Can I deploy multiple editions of XenDesktop 4 licenses on a common
license server?
A: Yes. The License Server can manage licenses to enable XenDesktop 4 Express, VDI, Enterprise
and Platinum editions simultaneously.
Q: How do I authorize users to receive the correct resources necessary?
A: In mixed environments using a common license server (multiple editions, versions or products),
user access is determined by your directory services infrastructure (such as OU in Microsoft Active
Directory).
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Licensed Components
Q: What product components are included with each XenDesktop edition?
A: See summary table below…
Product Components Platinum Enterprise VDI Express
Desktop Delivery Controller X X X X *
XenServer X X X X
XenServer Enterprise X X X --
Provisioning Services X X X *** --
StorageLink X X X --
Workflow Studio X X X --
EasyCall X X X --
Profile Management X X X --
XenApp Enterprise -- X -- --
XenApp Platinum X -- -- --
Access Gateway Universal License X ** ** --
EdgeSight for Virtual Desktops X -- -- --
Repeater client license X -- -- --
Password Manager X -- -- --
* Limited to 10 virtual desktops.
** Access Gateway platform licenses included in every Access Gateway appliance provide secure
remote access for VDI and Enterprise editions.
*** Supports provisioning hosted virtual desktops and virtual servers on server systems that are part
of the Citrix-provided XenDesktop 4 deployment.
Q: What features of XenDesktop 4 are licensed using the Citrix License
Server?
A: The Citrix License Server manages the following features of XenDesktop 4:
• Desktop Delivery Controller
• Provisioning services
• On-demand Application Delivery
• Virtual Desktop Performance Monitoring
• Single Sign-on
• EasyCall voice services
• HDX 3D graphics
Q: What features of XenDesktop 4 are licensed individually?
A: Secure access and WAN optimization features are licensed and managed independently of the
Citrix License Server. Virtual Machine Infrastructure versions prior to XenServer 5.6 are not managed
by the Citrix License Server.
11

Q: Is GoToAssist available as part of XenDesktop 4?
Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
A: No. With the release of XenDesktop 4, the entitlement for GoToAssist has been removed. New
XenDesktop 4 customers who want the value of GoToAssist for remote technical support of virtual
desktops and applications are encouraged to purchase GoToAssist agent licenses separately. To buy
GoToAssist call 1-800-549-8541 (US).
Q: Can existing XenDesktop 3 customers continue to use GoToAssist?
The GoToAssist entitlement in XenDesktop 3 included one GoToAssist service annual license for
each 200 XenDesktop licenses purchased. At the end of the term of the GoToAssist annual license
(12 months), customers that want to continue the use of GoToAssist must purchase new GoToAssist
term licenses. Once customers upgrade to XenDesktop 4, their entitlement to GoToAssist service is
rescinded and they must purchase GoToAssist service separately. To buy GoToAssist call 1-800-549-
8541 (US).
Q: Which editions of XenDesktop 4 include Provisioning Services?
A: The Provisioning Services feature is included in the VDI, Enterprise, and Platinum editions of
XenDesktop 4.
Q: What types of systems can I provision with the Provisioning Services
feature in XenDesktop 4 VDI Edition?
A: Within XenDesktop 4 VDI Edition, you may use the Provisioning Services feature to provision
desktop grade operating systems to virtual desktops and server grade operating systems to virtual
servers that are part of the Citrix-provided XenDesktop 4 deployment.
Q: What types of systems can I provision with the Provisioning Services
feature in XenDesktop 4 Enterprise and Platinum Editions?
A: Within XenDesktop 4 Enterprise and Platinum Edition you may use the Provisioning Services
feature to provision desktop grade operating systems to any and all physical desktops or virtual
desktops and thin client devices that are part of the Citrix-provided XenDesktop 4 deployment. You
may also provision any physical or virtual server systems that are part of the XenDesktop 4
deployment, inclusive of XenApp servers for the on-demand application feature of XenDesktop 4 .
Q: I have XenDesktop Advanced Edition and have not yet upgraded to
XenDesktop 4. What are my Provisioning Services Entitlements?
A: Customers with XenDesktop 3.x Advanced Edition are entitled to upgrade to XenDesktop 4 VDI
edition. You may use the Provisioning Services feature to provision desktop grade operating systems
to any and all virtual desktops and provisioning server grade operating systems to virtual servers that
are part of the Citrix-provided XenDesktop 4 deployment. If you wish to also provision to physical
desktop or physical servers, you must version upgrade to XenDesktop 4 Enterprise.
Q: How is Single Sign-on licensed in a XenDesktop 4 environment?
A: Single Sign-on is enabled by confirmation that an authentic XenDesktop 4 Platinum license is
installed on a license server.
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Q: How is Virtual Desktop Performance Monitoring licensed in a XenDesktop
4 environment?
A: Performance monitoring for virtual desktops is enabled by EdgeSight for Virtual Desktop
technology and is a feature of XenDesktop 4 Platinum Edition. This feature is licensed by
confirmation that a XenDesktop 4 Platinum license is installed on a license server.
Q: What other EdgeSight technology is available in XenDesktop 4?
A: XenDesktop 4 Enterprise Edition includes the following EdgeSight technology:
• Load Testing services (also known as EdgeSight for Load Testing)
• XenApp Resource Manager includes basic EdgeSight reporting built-in
XenDesktop 4 Platinum Edition adds:
• EdgeSight for XenApp for on-demand application service monitoring
• Virtual desktop performance monitoring with EdgeSight for Virtual Desktops technology
Q: Is EdgeSight for Endpoints included in XenDesktop 4 Platinum edition?
A: No. It is important to note that EdgeSight for Endpoints is NOT included in any edition of
XenDesktop 4. Customers that require monitoring out to the endpoint device are recommended to
run EdgeSight for Virtual Desktops on the endpoint. EdgeSight for Virtual Desktops can run on
endpoints and is a superset of EdgeSight for Endpoints functionality, specifically designed for virtual
desktop use cases.
If deploying XenApp stand alone, Citrix recommends leveraging the EdgeSight agent for XenApp. If
deploying XenDesktop 4 with or without on-demand applications by XenApp, Citrix recommends
leveraging the EdgeSight agent for Virtual Desktops (Physical or Virtual Desktops). Note that the
EdgeSight for Virtual Desktop agent requires XenDesktop 4 Platinum and also collects ICA channel
metrics.
Q: How is application streaming licensed in a XenDesktop 4 environment?
A: Application streaming is enabled by confirmation that an authentic XenDesktop 4 Enterprise or
Platinum edition license is installed on a license server.
Q: How is profile management licensed in a XenDesktop 4 environment?
A: Profile Management requires that an authentic XenDesktop 4 VDI, Enterprise, or Platinum edition
license is installed on a license server.
13

Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Q: How is the Virtual Machine Infrastructure (also known as XenServer)
feature licensed?
A: The Virtual Machine Infrastructure feature permits virtualization of only XenDesktop 4 feature
components accessed exclusively by XenDesktop 4 licensed users or devices.. When the customer
goes to license the virtual machine infrastructure, they are asked to choose what license type to use.
They should select "XenServer for XenDesktop" and the presence of a XenDesktop license is
validated, and XenServer is activated in "Enterprise" mode.
Q: Can customers use the advanced virtualization management capabilities
(also known as XenServer Enterprise) delivered as part of XenDesktop 4 to
virtualize existing XenApp infrastructure?
A: No. The advanced virtualization management feature permits virtualization of only XenDesktop 4
feature components accessed exclusively by XenDesktop 4 licensed users or devices. Customers who
have previously invested in XenApp should consider leveraging free, enterprise-ready version
XenServer; leveraging the on-demand application feature (also known as XenApp) delivered as part of
XenDesktop 4 Platinum or Enterprise Edition; or take advantage of the limited time Trade-Up to
XenDesktop 4 promotion.
Q: What are the constraints on the use of the advanced virtualization
management capabilities (also known as XenServer Enterprise) delivered as
part of XenDesktop 4?
A: The advanced virtualization management feature permits virtualization of any and all XenDesktop
4 infrastructure required to deliver XenDesktop 4 feature components accessed exclusively by
XenDesktop 4 licensed users or devices. This includes infrastructure for all elements of XenApp used
as a part of XenDesktop 4 deployments. Additional servers needed to support applications being
delivered are considered part of XenDesktop 4 infrastructure, including components needed to
support multi-tier applications, such as middleware and database services.
Q: Is Essentials for Hyper-V included in XenDesktop 4?
A: Yes. Essentials for Hyper-V functions are included as a part of XenServer Enterprise and are
included in all editions of XenDesktop – VDI, Enterprise, and Platinum.
Q: Can customers upgrade advanced virtualization management capabilities
delivered as part of XenDesktop 4 to XenServer Platinum?
A: We have included all features of XenServer Platinum relevant for managing virtual desktops in
XenDesktop 4. XenDesktop 4 includes XenServer Enterprise features in every edition. XenDesktop
4 Enterprise and Platinum editions include Provisioning services features to provision physical servers
and desktops. There should be no need for customers to consider XenServer Platinum for their
XenDesktop deployments and for these reasons we do not offer an upgrade path for XenServer
Platinum for XenDesktop 4 implementations.
14

Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Q: How is Secure access licensed in a XenDesktop 4 environment?
A: The Secure access feature of XenDesktop 4 Platinum edition is enabled by the Access Gateway
Universal license. Secure access includes advanced access control and data protection features which
are enabled when you deploy the Access Gateway Universal license on Access Gateway Advanced or
Enterprise software. The Secure access feature of XenDesktop 4 VDI or Enterprise edition is enabled
by the Access Gateway Platform license. The Access Gateway Platform license must be deployed to
an Access Gateway VPX or Model 2010 appliance running Access Gateway Standard Edition 4.6 or
later, or to an Access Gateway Enterprise Edition or NetScaler appliance running version 9.2 or later .
Q: What Access Gateway license is delivered to enable the Secure access
feature of XenDesktop 4 VDI and Enterprise Edition?
A: The Secure access feature of XenDesktop 4 VDI and Enterprise editions is enabled by an Access
Gateway Platform license. The Platform license is included when you purchase Access Gateway and
enables secure remote access to hosted desktops without requiring a VPN tunnel.
Q: What Access Gateway license is delivered to enable the Secure access
feature of XenDesktop 4 Platinum Edition?
A: The Secure access feature of XenDesktop 4 Platinum edition is enabled by an Access Gateway
Universal license. Access Gateway Universal licenses enable all features across each Access Gateway
edition and can be deployed on all NetScaler appliance models.
Q: Are there restrictions to the Access Gateway appliances that can be
deployed in a XenDesktop 4 VDI or Enterprise Edition environment?
A: No. The Secure access feature of XenDesktop 4 VDI or Enterprise editions is enabled by an
Access Gateway Platform license. The Access Gateway Platform license enables secure remote access
to hosted desktops and can be deployed on all Access Gateway or NetScaler appliance models.
Q: Are there restrictions to the Access Gateway appliances that can be
deployed in a XenDesktop 4 Platinum Edition environment?
A: No. The Secure access feature of XenDesktop 4 Platinum edition is enabled by an Access Gateway
Universal license. Access Gateway Universal licenses enable all features across each Access Gateway
edition and can be deployed on all Access Gateway appliance models.
Q: Is Secure Gateway supported in a XenDesktop 4 environment?
A: Access Gateway is the recommended method of secure remote access for HDX traffic for all
FlexCast desktop and application delivery models. The legacy Secure Gateway feature is capable of
supporting HDX traffic related to only hosted shared desktops, hosted VDI desktops and hosted
applications. However, customers using Secure Gateway should note that Citrix has already alerted
customers that there are no further plans to develop this feature in the future, and should plan their
environments accordingly.
15

Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Q: How is WAN optimization licensed in a XenDesktop 4 environment?
A: The WAN optimization feature of XenDesktop 4 Platinum edition is enabled by the Repeater
plug-in license. The WAN optimization feature is enabled when you deploy the Repeater plug-in
license in conjunction with a Repeater appliance (85XX or 88XX series) or Repeater VPX virtual
appliance. Note: appliances must be purchased in addition to XenDesktop 4 licenses.
Q: Are there restrictions to the Repeater appliances that can be deployed in
a XenDesktop 4 Platinum Edition environment?
No. Any model Repeater appliance (including VPX) can be deployed in conjunction with XenDesktop
4. However, the WAN optimization feature of XenDesktop 4 Platinum edition is enabled by a
Repeater plug-in license and to utilize that license requires the additional purchase of a Repeater
appliance (85XX or 88XX series) or Repeater VPX virtual appliance. This provides customer
maximum flexibility to choose the appliance configurations that best fit their network requirements.
Q: Is XenApp for UNIX included in XenDesktop 4?
A: Yes. XenDesktop 4 Platinum and Enterprise provide for both Windows and UNIX application
delivery.
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
License Upgrade
Q: What are the XenDesktop 4 version upgrade paths for existing
XenDesktop 4 customers?
A: Citrix XenDesktop 4 customers with active Subscription Advantage as of October 6, 2009, are
automatically entitled to version upgrade at no charge to XenDesktop 4, providing them with all the
flexibility and functionality of the comprehensive desktop virtualization solution. See the table below:
Current Edition XenDesktop 4
VDI
XenDesktop 4
Enterprise
XenDesktop 4
Platinum
XenDesktop X -- --
Standard
XenDesktop X X --
Advanced
XenDesktop -- X --
Enterprise
XenDesktop
Platinum
-- -- X
Q: What are the XenDesktop 4 version upgrade paths for XenDesktop
Advanced purchases after November 16th, 2009?
A: Citrix XenDesktop Advanced purchases made after November 16, 2009 are automatically entitled
to version upgrade at no charge to the new XenDesktop 4 VDI edition ONLY. See table below:
Current Edition
XenDesktop 4
VDI
XenDesktop 4
Enterprise
XenDesktop Standard X -- --
XenDesktop Advanced X -- --
XenDesktop Enterprise -- X --
XenDesktop Platinum -- -- X
XenDesktop 4
Platinum
Q: How do I version upgrade my existing XenDesktop environment to
XenDesktop 4?
A: Existing XenDesktop customers should use the secure My Citrix portal (www.mycitrix.com) to
retrieve their XenDesktop 4 software and user license(s) in exchange for rescinding their XenDesktop
CCU license(s). To complete the version upgrade process, deploy XenDesktop 4 software and install
your user, device or concurrent licenses. Note: You must remove the existing XenDesktop CCU
license file(s) from your license server that were rescinded as part of the version upgrade process.
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Q: How do I retrieve my licenses?
A: Customers that have version upgraded or purchased XenDesktop 4 must visit the Citrix Activation
System on the secure My Citrix portal (www.mycitrix.com) to allocate and generate license files.
Q: For existing Provisioning Services for Desktop customers, what is the
XenDesktop 4 version upgrade path as a benefit of Subscription Advantage?
A: Existing Provisioning Server for Desktop customers with current Subscription Advantage as of
October 6, 2009 are entitled to a no charge version upgrade of their existing Provisioning Server for
Desktop, desktop license(s) to user license(s) of XenDesktop 4 Enterprise edition on a one-for-one
(1:1) basis as a benefit of Subscription Advantage. See table below:
Current Edition XenDesktop 4
VDI
XenDesktop 4
Enterprise
XenDesktop 4
Platinum
Provisioning Server for
Desktops
-- X --
Q: How do I version upgrade my existing Provisioning Server for Desktops
environment to XenDesktop 4?
A: Existing Provisioning Server for Desktops customers should use the secure My Citrix portal
(www.mycitrix.com) to retrieve their XenDesktop 4 software and user, device, or concurrent license(s)
in exchange for rescinding their Provisioning Server for Desktops Desktop license(s). To complete the
version upgrade process, deploy XenDesktop 4 software and install your user, device, or concurrent
licenses. Note: You must remove the existing Provisioning Server for Desktops Desktop license files
from your license server that were rescinded as part of the version upgrade process.
Q: How do I retrieve my licenses?
A: Customers that have version upgraded or purchased XenDesktop 4 must visit the Citrix Activation
System on the secure My Citrix portal (www.mycitrix.com) to allocate and generate license files.
Q: How do I trade up my existing XenApp environment to XenDesktop 4?
A: Existing XenApp customers can leverage the Trade-up to XenDesktop 4 Program to purchase
XenDesktop 4 user or device licenses at a significant discount and replace their existing XenApp CCU
license(s) submitted as part of the trade-up purchase. To complete the trade-up process install your
XenDesktop 4 license(s) to your license server and deploy the components of XenDesktop 4 you
require in your environment. Note: You must remove the XenApp license file(s) from your license
server that were rescinded as part of the trade-up purchase.
Q: Which parts of the core infrastructure does an existing XenApp customer
need to re-install to trade up and adopt XenDesktop 4 and the new user
based licensing model?
A: The only thing that requires modification is the replacement of XenApp CCU license file(s)
rescinded as part of a Trade-up to XenDesktop 4 Program purchase with XenDesktop 4 user or
device license file(s). You also have the flexibility to deploy the extended features delivered with
XenDesktop 4.
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Q: What are the XenDesktop 4 edition upgrade options available for
purchase?
A: See table below.
Edition Upgrades XenDesktop 4
VDI
XenDesktop 4
Enterprise
XenDesktop 4
Platinum
XenDesktop VDI -- X X
XenDesktop
Enterprise
-- -- X
Q: How do I fulfill my XenDesktop 4 edition upgrade purchase?
A: All XenDesktop 4 licenses that you wish to edition upgrade can be identified through the secure
My Citrix portal (www.mycitrix.com). Submission of a purchase order for this edition upgrade are
fulfilled in the same manner that additional license purchases are fulfilled today. All license(s)
purchased are immediately available post transaction on the My Citrix portal for allocation and
download to your license server. Note: You must remove any existing XenDesktop license files from
your license server that were rescinded as part of the edition upgrade purchase.
Q: What are the upgrade paths using the Trade-up to XenDesktop 4
Program?
A: See table below.
Trade-ups
XenDesktop 4 Enterprise XenDesktop 4 Platinum
XenApp Enterprise X
X
XenApp Platinum -- X
Q: How do I fulfill my Trade-up to XenDesktop 4 purchase?
A: All XenApp licenses that you want to Trade-up to XenDesktop 4 can be identified through the
secure My Citrix portal (www.mycitrix.com). Submission of a purchase order for the Trade-up are
fulfilled in the same way that additional licenses purchases are fulfilled today. All licenses purchased
are immediately available post transaction on the secure My Citrix portal for allocation and download
to your license server. Note: You must remove the existing XenApp Enterprise or Platinum CCU
license file(s) from your license server that were rescinded as part of the trade-up process.
Q: What is license rescission?
A: In the context of version, edition, or trade-up transactions, license rescission refers to the
cancellation of all rights associated with those identified licenses being replaced as part of a version
upgrade, edition upgrade or trade-up transaction.
Q: Where do I go to identify licenses for rescission as part of a version,
edition or trade-up transaction?
A: Identification of licenses to be rescinded as part of a version upgrade, edition upgrade or trade-up is
facilitated through the secure My Citrix portal (www.mycitrix.com).
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Q: Where do I go to get my new licenses?
A: All Citrix licenses are made available to customers through their secure My Citrix portal
(www.mycitrix.com).
Q: How long do I have after a version upgrade, edition upgrade or trade-up
transaction to re-license my environment?
A: Customers are granted a grace period of 90 calendar days post transaction to remove rescinded
license file(s) from their license server in order to remain in compliance with Citrix licensing terms and
conditions. Note: At the point of version upgrade, edition upgrade, or trade-up transaction access to
licenses identified for rescission is immediately removed from the secure My Citrix portal
(www.mycitrix.com). Customers are advised to make a backup copy in case of license server failure
during the 90 day grace period.
Q: What are the best practices for upgrading your license server?
A: The launch of XenDesktop 4 does not require the license server software to be upgraded. You are
required to install new license(s) for any incremental purchase(s) of XenDesktop 4 and replace any
existing XenDesktop, Provisioning Server for Desktops or XenApp license(s) rescinded as part of a
version upgrade, edition upgrade, or trade-up transaction.
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Microsoft Licensing
Q: What are the Microsoft license requirements for the different XenDesktop
deployment options?
A: The table below details the Microsoft licenses required for the different desktop delivery models,
based on the following guidelines.
1. RDS CALs are required for Hosted shared desktops (server operating system)
2. VECD is required for any hosted or streamed desktops (desktop operating system)
3. VDI Suite is required for hosted VM desktops with Hyper-V
Required Microsoft Licenses
XenDesktop Delivery Model VECD, VDA VDI RDS CAL
Suite
Hosted shared desktops * X
Hosted VM-based desktops (VDI) X *
Hosted Blade PC desktops X **
Local streamed desktops X **
Virtual apps to installed desktops **
Local VM-based desktops (Offline) X **
* A cost-effective alternative for customers looking to deploy on a Microsoft-based platform. ** RDS
CALs are required for any desktop user with hosted on-demand apps by XenApp.
Q: What is the Microsoft VDI Suite and how does it add value to
XenDesktop?
A: Microsoft VDI Suite gives customers a cost-effective solution for acquiring the complete Microsoft
platform needed to fully use the features of XenDesktop.
Microsoft has two versions of their VDI Suite licenses (VDI Standard Suite and VDI Premium Suite)
and is required for XenDesktop VM-hosted desktop (VDI) deployments on Hyper-V. The Microsoft
VDI Standard Suite includes licenses to the following technologies:
• Hypervisor platform (Hyper-V Server 2008 R2)
• An integrated management suite for VDI
o System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2
o System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2
o System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2
• Microsoft Application Virtualization through the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack
(MDOP)
• Connection brokering capability through Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services.
The Microsoft VDI Premium Suite includes all the features of the VDI Standard Suite, and also
includes:
• Complete Remote Desktop Services capability (formerly known as TS-CALs), including the
option to deploy session based desktops in addition to VDI desktops
• Microsoft Application Virtualization for Remote Desktop Services
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Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Q: What is a Microsoft RDS CAL and when do I need one?
A: Remote Desktop Services (RDS, formally known as Terminal Services in Windows Server 2008)
functionality in Windows Server 2008 R2 lets you remotely execute applications or an entire desktop
on a Windows-based session host server from a wide range of devices over virtually any type of
network connection; it also lets you remotely execute virtual machine-based (virtual) desktops on a
Hyper-V-based virtualization host server. Citrix customers deploying hosted shared desktops
(published desktops/session based desktops) or virtual applications (XenApp) require Remote
Desktop Services to remain compliant with Microsoft licensing terms.
To learn more about RDS functionality, refer to the Microsoft Licensing Remote Desktop Services in
Windows Server 2008 R2 Web site http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/licensingterminal.aspx.
Q: What is the Microsoft VECD?
A: Microsoft designed Windows Virtual Enterprise Centralized Desktop (VECD) to enable
organizations to license virtual copies of Windows client operating systems in virtual environments.
VECD is mandatory for any virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) deployment that uses virtual copies
of Windows, regardless of the underlying infrastructure provider.
As of July 1 st , 2010 Microsoft is rolling Virtual Enterprise Centralized Desktop (VECD) into the
Windows Software Assurance (Windows SA) program. This means that anyone with Software
Assurance can deploy desktops locally or in the data center at no additional cost (i.e. free). At the same
time Microsoft is extending the remote access rights so that remote isn’t tethered to a single PC in the
primary users’ home.
For organizations who are using endpoints that do not have a Windows SA license – Contractors PCs,
devices that are do not run Windows (e.g., thin-clients, smart phones and Apple Macs) and yes, PCs
with OEM licenses – Microsoft is introducing a new desktop virtualization license called Windows
Virtual Desktop Access (Windows VDA) costing $100 per year per device. Windows VDA is now a
first-class citizen in the Microsoft licensing hierarchy with all the benefits of Software Assurance (e.g.,
24x7 support, upgrade/downgrade rights), and as a desktop virtualization license it gets the same
extended roaming rights offered to a full member of the SA club.
22

Licensing FAQ | XenDesktop 4
Disaster Recovery and Maintenance
Q: How do I license my disaster recovery site?
A: The same licenses that are provided for your production environment can be used to support your
disaster recovery environment. This requires your disaster recovery environment to be configured and
managed independently of your production environment. Note: The license server in your disaster
recovery environment must have the exact hostname of the license server from your production
environment.
Q: What happens if my license server is offline for maintenance activity?
A: There is a standard 30 day grace period that allows your systems to continue to function without
degradation of performance or denial of service to support license server maintenance requirements.
Q: What happens if my license server is unrecoverable?
A: In a scenario where you have a backup copy of your license file(s) available, you simply rename an
existing server in your environment to have the same hostname as your original license server, install
the license server component and your backup license file(s) to re-license your environment.
Q: What happens if my license server is unrecoverable and I do not have a
backup copy of my license file(s) immediately available?
A: In a scenario where you do not have a backup copy of your license file(s) immediately available, you
simply access your My Citrix account and download your license file(s), rename an existing server in
your environment to have the same hostname as your original license server, install the license server
component and the license file(s) you have downloaded to re-license your environment.
Q: What happens if my license server is unrecoverable and I cannot rename
an existing server in my environment?
A: In a scenario where you are unable to rename an existing server in your environment you have 30
days to simply identify another server in your environment, install the license server component,
access your My Citrix account, re-host your license file(s) using the hostname of the new server you
have selected, download and install these license file(s) to re-license your environment.
Q: Does any failure of the Citrix License Server create degraded performance
or denial of service to users?
A: No. The 30 day grace period feature in XenDesktop 4 prevents customers from experiencing
degraded performance and denial of service to users as the result of a license server failure.
Q: Are there restrictions that a customer should be aware of in the event of a
Citrix License Server being unavailable?
A: Yes. You cannot add Citrix product servers to farms serviced by the unavailable License Server.
Q: How can I get a copy of my license file?
A: You can obtain a copy of your license file(s) from your Citrix License Server or alternatively all
purchased license(s) and allocated license file(s) are always available from the secure My Citrix portal
(www.mycitrix.com).
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