I read all the forums on this topic and can't come to a conclusion as they seem to have conflicting information (there is one post regarding this subject with different conflicting answers but it wouldn't allow me to post in there):
Can someone please confirm with certainty (hopefully has done it) whether Windows Server Foundation 2012 can run RDS as a sole server in an SMB environment. I have read for days and still do not know since Windows Server 2012 Foundation is only available through OEMs and thus I can't test it.
It seems there are two conflicting arguments:
1) The documentation I read says that Windows Server Foundation 2012 has Remote Desktop Services "available" as well as Active Directory Domain Services. I also read that it has to be a member of a workgroup for RDS to work (or be part of a domain but let's assume we only want to buy one server and there is no existing domain).
2) In order to manage RDS (and get it to work) on Windows Server Standard 2012, it cannot be a Domain Controller for security, etc.
So it seems there are a few possible scenarios:
a) Possibly Microsoft made changes to allow RDS to work under Foundation with it being a DC and the only server
b) RDS works on Foundation in a WORKGROUP environment - they somehow fixed the ability to license, administer, etc. using the Dashboard without being part of a domain
c) Foundation has to be joined to a Domain for RDS to work and thus requires a second server - not a good solution for SMB
Which is it? I just need a solution for small customers who want their first server and don't want to buy two and the associated licenses. I know you need to purchase RDS CALS in all cases as well. Thanks in advance.
Tod Percle SMB IT Consultant