Windows MultiPoint Server 2012 Standard Edition (Includes Software Assurance)

Windows MultiPoint Server 2012 is a shared computing operating system that allows multiple users to simultaneously share one "host" computer. Each user station provides an independent Windows desktop environment and consists of a monitor, keyboard, and mouse connected to a station hub. The station hub connects to the host computer through USB or video cables and uses the host computer's processing capabilities.

This donation includes one Windows MultiPoint Server 2012 Standard Edition server license, which supports up to 10 simultaneously connected user stations. Organizations that require more user stations, Active Directory support, or Hyper-V support should consider Windows MultiPoint Server 2012 Premium Edition. 

Benefits for Organizations

You can use Windows MultiPoint Server to:

•         Set up and maintain a computer lab, classroom, or other collaborative environment without server administration experience or a dedicated IT staff
•         Save energy, simplify maintenance, and lower expenses by operating a shared computing environment
•         Connect aging desktops, laptops, or thin clients as additional user stations by connecting them to the host computer using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) over a local area network (LAN)

Major Capabilities

•         Centralized administration: The MultiPoint Manager application allows administrators to set up and manage Windows MultiPoint Server user stations. Administrators can create accounts for an unlimited number of users, who can access their customized desktop and settings by logging in to any user station.
•         User monitoring: The MultiPoint Dashboard application allows nonadministrators, such as classroom instructors or computer lab staff, to monitor and interact with user stations. Dashboard users can view user activity, block users, limit web access, and project their desktop activities to all users. They can also open chat sessions with users and take control of a user's desktop to provide hands-on assistance.
•          System restoration: Disk Protection protects the host computer by discarding changes made during user sessions and restoring the host computer to a "last known good state" after reboot.
•          Shared software: Software programs installed on the host computer can be accessed from any user station, without separately installing the software for each user. (Note that Microsoft Office and other Microsoft programs require a separate license for each user station in a Windows MultiPoint Server environment. Other software manufacturers may have their own licensing requirements for shared computing environments.)

Licensing

Windows MultiPoint Server is a special version of the Windows Server operating system. Each user station that connects to Windows MultiPoint Server must have two types of client access licenses (CALs), which are not included with this donation:

•          Windows MultiPoint Server device CAL
•         Windows Server device CAL

These two CALs are available through BiGTech Donation Program separately or as a single donation (CAL pack for one station). If the host computer is used as a user station and not just for administration, it requires both types of CALs as well. 

MultiPoint Server user CALs, as opposed to device CALs, are not available through BiGTech Donation Program This kind of licensing would be more costly in a typical MultiPoint Server setup than licensing per device. For example, a setup with 10 user stations would require just 10 device CALs for any number of users. If licensed per user, the same setup would require each user to have a separate license.

Obtaining This Product

Installing this product requires installation media and a license key. The license key allows you to use the installation media to install the product on as many computers as you have received licenses for.

 Expect three emails:

1.     When your donation request has been approved, BiGTech Donation Program will send a message to your organization email address confirming the number of licenses you have requested.

2.     Microsoft will send an email welcoming your organization to the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).

3.     BiGTech Donation Program will send an email with information about managing your donation at the VLSC. If you are new to the VLSC, you should wait for this email before you register there. 

Software Assurance

Under the Software Assurance program, you have the right to install any new release of products covered in the agreement during the term of your coverage.