Appstream2 : How to save User fees

Question

Hi,
We are considering to use Appstream2.0 as part of our solution. The problem is that it comes with a rather steep fee of $4.19/user/month for Microsoft Remote Desktop Service Subscriber Access License (RDS SAL).
As my usecase would have hundreds or more of users using the application just for short period of time ( maybe 1-2 hours per month) this would incur huge cost for us.
By not using Userpool, we have flexibility where the users would come from. It would be an application where anyone can signup online for Free trial access for the application for couple of hours.
1. How do we optimize the User fees in such case?
2. Does AWS provide an API or CLI command to change the password of user from Userpool?

Accepted Answer

Since your use case is trial access, you can create a temporary URL for specific user to start an AppStream 2.0 streaming session, instead of assigning username and password. You can do this using AWS CLI create-streaming-url or via CreateStreamingUrl API.

I assume you will be using On-Demand Fleet Instance

AppStream 2.0 supports multi-session, allowing multiple users to share a single instance. This may be appropriate for your use case. More information at Multi-Session Recommendations

You can also reach out to your AWS account team for support including architecture review.

I assume you will be using [On-Demand Fleet Instance](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/appstream2/latest/developerguide/fleet-type.html)

AppStream 2.0 supports [multi-session](https://aws.amazon.com/about-aws/whats-new/2023/10/amazon-appstream-2-0-session-fleets-windows-server-os/), allowing multiple users to share a single instance. This may be appropriate for your use case. More information at [Multi-Session Recommendations](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/appstream2/latest/developerguide/multi-session-recs.html)

You can also reach out to your AWS account team for support including architecture review.

Answer

I do not know if you are in this situation but if you already have some licencing contract with Microsoft you can also use them with AppStream and avoid paying for these fees, check the following article:

How do I use my own Microsoft RDS CALs with AppStream 2.0? https://repost.aws/knowledge-center/appstream2-rds-cal

**How do I use my own Microsoft RDS CALs with AppStream 2.0?**
https://repost.aws/knowledge-center/appstream2-rds-cal

Appstream2 : How to save User fees

Relevant content