Installing/activating Adobe std/pro on a MS Terminal Server, Process

[Guest]

I'm looking going to deploy Adobe Std/Pro for a new Terminal Server deployment (Windows 2012R2).

I'm not entirely sure what to expect when activating and what type of licensing I should get.

What do I need to install the software to the terminal server and activate it?  I believe I read something about a deployment tool?

When I got a quote for Adobe software, I was told I would get 10 separate licenses as this TS will have 10 users.  How does this work with licensing and the deployment tool?  Do I just pick one of the license keys to include in the deployment tool or will I get a special key that is for 10 users?  Just hold on to the licensing keys as proof of purchase?

If I go with a subscription model, does each user need an adobe login?  Will this break the application in some way by going with a subscription model on a TS?

What I'm expecting during the install/activation process is I will get 10 indevidual license keys.

1. Download the Adobe setup and deployment tool.
2. Input any one of the license keys into the deployment tool and complete this process.
3. Install Adobe using the config file output from the deployment tool, this will activate the product as the key is embedded.
4. If I need more licenses, I just purchase from my vender as needed and keep the license on hand for additional users as proof of ownership.

Please clarify, thank you.

[Steve Cordero · Accepted solution]

In Q & A order...

Here is the documentation for WTS/RDS:  Windows Terminal Services — Enterprise Administration Guide

Q:  What do I need to install the software to the terminal server and activate it?

- The application installer

- It has to be a serialized installation

Q: I believe I read something about a deployment tool?

- If you mean customization of the deployment package, then that would be the Adobe Customization Wizard DC. You can download it here:  DC​

When I got a quote for Adobe software, I was told I would get 10 separate licenses as this TS will have 10 users. 

Q:  How does this work with licensing and the deployment tool? 

- You serialize the deployment package.

Q: Do I just pick one of the license keys to include in the deployment tool or will I get a special key that is for 10 users? 

- Usually it's one VOLUME key for 10 users unless otherwise specified.

Q:  Just hold on to the licensing keys as proof of purchase?

- ALWAYS hold on to paper work and documentation as to the proof of purchase.

Q:  If I go with a subscription model, does each user need an adobe login?

- You can't do that using WTS/RDS.  It's not supported and will NOT work.

Q:  Will this break the application in some way by going with a subscription model on a TS?

- It does not work correctly. Do NOT attempt this.

What I'm expecting during the install/activation process is I will get 10 indevidual license keys.

1. Download the Adobe setup and deployment tool.

- OK, that is correct.

2.  Input any one of the license keys into the deployment tool and complete this process.

- You will only get one key unless otherwise specified.

3.  Install Adobe using the config file output from the deployment tool, this will activate the product as the key is embedded.

- Yes, you will probably want to use Grant Offline Exception, and follow the instructions from ETK about installation on WTS:  Windows Terminal Services — Enterprise Administration Guide

4.  If I need more licenses, I just purchase from my vender as needed and keep the license on hand for additional users as proof of ownership.

- Safe bet, but check with the vendor or Adobe on that item.

Note, you can only install one of the two apps, either Acrobat Standard or Acrobat Pro on the WTS/RDS server and NOT both.

I hope this helps.

[Guest]

This answers most of my questions.

Additional information that may help someone reading.

I got further information from Adobe that I need to specifically request a special key that is assigned the number of users I purchased to it.  I'm not sure on the correct term but I'm calling it a volume license key.  Adobe can create this key for me but I need to go through a proof of purchase process and its better to try and get this key through the vendor upfront.  This single key is used when you serialize for product activation, using one of the normal serial keys, in my case picking one of the 10 will not work.

Thank you.