The discussion around how to bring Windows to the tablet through streaming has returned to the spotlight with a case that combines innovation, licensing, and cloud business. Here, we review what OnLive Desktop offers, what Microsoft objects to it, and what licensing alternatives are currently available for similar services.
Just a few days ago we talked to you about the new app de OnLive for tablets Android that he had just released. Is about On Live Desktop, a cloud service that gave us access to an operating system Windows 7 running on the OnLive servers. This allowed us to make use of tools such as Office, so it was very interesting. Now Microsoft, through its vice president joe matz or with a official statement, has made public your opinion about this product, "violates the usage licenses".
Now this does not mean that the future of On Live Desktop disappear from the map. Rather, what Microsoft is looking for is to reach an agreement to resolve the licensing issue, so that they can be used without being violated. You can imagine where this leads. Most likely, the agreement will bring with it a compensation of some kind. Would OnLive count on this when launching the service? If so, will they keep prices, will it still be free?
At the moment, we do not have answers to these questions, what we do know are the reasons for the problem. Among others, Windows in the cloud cannot be offered to multiple clients in the same space, they can't share it. And secondly, you can only offer a service like Office in the Cloud through Windows Server. In other words, clearly speaking, Microsoft, like the rest of the companies, made use licenses so that no one else could use their products without charging them for this. They will reach an agreement with OnLive, and They will provide you with licenses according to your version, upon payment of the corresponding agreed amount.
What exactly is Microsoft questioning?
According to joe matz, Microsoft's terms do not allow Windows 7 multi-user on shared infrastructure. The contract SPLA enables partners to offer Windows Server y Remote Desktop Services, But does not cover Windows 7. Additionally, if a partner hosts desktops for a customer, the hardware must be dedicated to that customer when they provide their own licenses. Therefore, offering Windows 7 as a shared service violates the license.
- Windows in the cloud: : multi-tenant with Windows 7 is not allowed; with Windows Server + RDSyeah.
- Office as a service: must be licensed separately (CSP, SPLA or users' own accounts).
OnLive's reaction: technical and supply adjustments
To align with the requirements, OnLive Desktop switched to running Windows Server (Windows 7-like kernel for these features) instead of Windows 7. The change resolved the core of the licensing conflict, although the loss of some multi-touch gestures Windows 7 client specific and a improved touch keyboardThe company came to boast of waiting list due to the interest of organizations in its service and added a modality Desktop Plus accelerated browser for demanding web tasks.
The proposal was born on iPad and extended to Android tablets, maintaining the idea of high-performance remote desktop on modest hardware and access to Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer via streaming.
Price and sustainability implications
The requirement for appropriate licenses may result in additional costs for the provider (and eventually for the user) according to modality: free, Pro or business. Hence the importance of clarifying whether they will be maintained free plans or if the solution will be limited to payment models when the agreements are formalized.
How a similar service (Azure Virtual Desktop) is licensed today
In the current Microsoft ecosystem, streaming desktops and applications are covered with models such as Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD):
- Internal vs. external users: For internal users, valid Windows/Microsoft 365 or RDS licenses are required; for external users for commercial purposes the access price per user of AVD.
- Invoicing: : in access per user it is billed by effective monthly usage and there is a maximum of one charge per user and period, with Two levels (only Applications vs. Desktops and applications).
- Office and other services: are not included by default; they are licensed separately (user account, CSP o SPLA).
What the analysts said
Gartner Research warned that without clear guidance, install OnLive Desktop Plus on corporate iPads or editing company documents from personal devices could involve compliance risks. Microsoft, for its part, stressed that there are avenues for a properly licensed scenario and that seeks agreements with suppliers for the benefit of the ecosystem.
OnLive paved the way by bringing a Windows desktop streaming to tablets, and the fit with the Microsoft licenses pivots on using Windows Server + RDS, correctly separate the Office licensing and distinguish between internal and external usersWithin this framework, the model is technically and legally viable as long as these conditions are met.
