Why Multi-User Tally Requires a Different Technical Architecture
Multi-user Tally hosting is technically distinct from single-user local installation. The distinction matters because it determines which operating system is required, which Tally licence version is needed, and how the server must be configured. A setup that looks functional on the surface but is configured incorrectly will either fail outright, allow only one user at a time, or create Microsoft licensing violations.
M A Global Network configures every Tally cloud server correctly from the start. This guide explains the technical components so you can verify any provider's configuration and understand what you are being set up with.
The Three Technical Requirements
Requirement 1 — Windows Server with Remote Desktop Services
Multi-user RDP access requires Windows Server 2019 or 2022 with Remote Desktop Services (RDS). Windows 10 and 11 (including Pro) support only one concurrent RDP session — a fundamental OS-level constraint, not a configuration issue. Windows Server with RDS can support as many simultaneous users as the server's hardware allows, with each user in their own isolated session.
Requirement 2 — RDS Client Access Licences (CALs)
Beyond the Windows Server OS licence, each concurrent Remote Desktop user requires a Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licence (RDS CAL). Running concurrent RDP sessions on Windows Server without sufficient RDS CALs is a Microsoft licensing violation — it may work technically for a grace period but creates compliance risk and sudden access failures. M A Global Network includes correctly provisioned RDS CALs for every user on every plan — never a separate charge.
Requirement 3 — Tally Prime Gold or Multi-User ERP 9 Licence
Tally's own licencing for concurrent multi-user access requires Tally Prime Gold (unlimited concurrent users on a single server) or the equivalent Tally ERP 9 multi-user edition. Your existing Tally Gold or multi-user licence transfers to the cloud server in most cases. M A Global Network assists with technical activation on the server side.
Server Specifications by User Count
| Concurrent Users | Min RAM | Recommended RAM | CPU Cores | NVMe SSD | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 users | 4 GB | 6 GB | 2 vCores | 50 GB | ₹700 – ₹1,400/month |
| 3–4 users | 6 GB | 8 GB | 4 vCores | 60 GB | ₹2,100 – ₹2,800/month |
| 5 users | 10 GB | 12 GB | 4 vCores | 80 GB | ₹3,500/month |
| 6–8 users | 14 GB | 16–20 GB | 6 vCores | 100 GB | ₹4,200 – ₹5,600/month |
| 10 users | 22 GB | 24 GB | 8 vCores | 120 GB | ₹7,000/month |
| 15 users | 32 GB | 36 GB | 10 vCores | 150 GB | ₹10,500/month |
| 20 users | 42 GB | 48 GB | 12 vCores | 180 GB | ₹14,000/month |
Each active Tally user session on Windows Server consumes approximately 1.5–2 GB of RAM — Tally's process, their Windows session, and OS background processes combined. A server with insufficient RAM begins swapping to disk under concurrent load, dramatically slowing response times. Correctly sized dedicated RAM prevents this entirely. Never accept "burstable" RAM for Tally hosting.
Firewall Configuration for Multi-User Tally Access
An internet-facing Windows Server accepting RDP from any IP receives thousands of automated connection attempts daily — bots scanning for weak passwords. IP-whitelisting eliminates this threat entirely.
- Allow RDP (TCP 3389) from each authorised IP — office, staff home IPs, authorised branch offices
- Drop all other RDP attempts at the network level — before reaching Windows
- Allow outbound HTTPS (443) for Tally GST e-invoice API calls and Windows Update
M A Global Network configures all firewall rules during provisioning and updates them whenever IPs change — adding a new user's home IP, updating an office IP when the ISP changes it.
What M A Global Network Handles vs What You Handle
| Task | M A Global Network | You |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Server 2022 setup | ✓ Handles completely | — |
| RDS configuration and CALs | ✓ Included in plan cost | — |
| Tally installation and activation | ✓ Handles, coordinates with your reseller | Provide licence serial number |
| TDL migration and testing | ✓ All TDLs migrated and verified | Provide TDL files |
| Data migration from local server | ✓ All company files transferred | Provide access to local server |
| Firewall IP configuration | ✓ Configured for your IPs | Provide office and home IPs |
| Windows user account creation | ✓ Creates and issues credentials | Provide list of users and access levels |
| OS security patching | ✓ Ongoing managed maintenance | — |
| Daily backup monitoring | ✓ Automated and monitored | — |
| Tally software licence purchase | — | Your existing licence or from reseller |
| Internet connectivity at locations | — | Your standard broadband/mobile |
Frequently Asked Questions
They are independent licencing requirements from different companies. RDS CALs are Microsoft licences that authorise each concurrent user's Remote Desktop session on Windows Server. Tally Gold is Tally Solutions' licence authorising concurrent multi-user access within Tally itself. Both are required. M A Global Network includes RDS CALs in the hosting cost. Tally Gold is your existing software licence that you bring to the cloud server.
Yes. Each user's RDP session is independent. User A can be in Client Company X, User B simultaneously in Client Company Y, User C in Client Company Z — with no interference between sessions. All three access the same Windows Server and Tally installation, but their Windows and Tally sessions are isolated at both OS and application levels.
Printing works through Remote Desktop's printer redirection feature. Printers connected to your local device appear in the RDP session and Tally can print directly to them. Alternatively, Tally's PDF export allows saving reports as PDFs on the server or your local device and printing from your local PDF reader — the more common workflow for most accounting teams.
Yes. M A Global Network provides full specification details — OS version, RAM allocation, CPU cores, storage type and size — in writing before you confirm a plan. These specifications are the standard configuration for every plan — no "performance tier" upgrades required to get the specifications described in this guide.
Correctly Configured Multi-User Tally on Cloud
Windows Server 2022 · RDS with CALs · NVMe SSD · IP-whitelisted firewall · All TDLs migrated. ₹700/user/month, all-inclusive.