Microsoft technet

digp

Is it worth it?

Is there any discount coupon that can be used to purchase an online sub?

Thanks.

DatabaseError

1. yes, if you want to test the software without purchasing all the licenses
2. not that I'm aware of

digp

is there a limit on how long you can TEST them for?

DatabaseError

I don't believe so. My TN sub was very temporary and I've not taken advantage of anything it offered, so I'm not sure

RobTang

Technet keys have no time limit, thats he basic idea really evaluation editions with no fixed time limit.

Obviously nothing you download can be used in a production or development enviroment, so tbh paying £234 use software illegally isn't exaclty value for money if you are just going to TEST them

SplanK

I have it and yes there are many tech net discount codes around you just need to search for them...

The one I used was "TMSAM15" which reduced the subscription price to just over £200 (worked as of Sept 09)

and yes you can use Technet/MSDN subscription downloads as development tools as such- otherwise what would be the point?! The idea is to allow tech's and developers access to software to either develop systems or test out senario's before putting them into production. I have a technet subscription and having access to it has been a godsend - ok - I have used the keys on all my machines at home (2x workstations / 2x laptops and a server - which is allowed under T&C's from what i remember ). Also using the software in VM - i have been able to replicate that is setup at work to test my VB/ASP scripts, SQL and IIS settings before putting them into a live environment

They are designed for "short term use - but with no time limits" - unless you are giving the keys out willy nilly to everybody under the sun to use then they are not going to really bat an eyelid if you use it "just outside" the T&C's... ok i would never use them on a production server - however i see no problem in installing Server 2008 R2 with Exchange 2010, with SQLServer 2008 onto a machine at home to be used as a personal server for a "long period of time for learning purposes"....

going through the T&C's - you are ment to STOP using the keys if you end your subscription - however it has been reported that keys still work... downside is - if you managed to max out your activation's on the keys - then chances are MS will just turn around and say no to allowing you more activations - but you get a bucket load of keys (I got 10 for Windows 7 Ultimate, 10 for Windows 7 Pro, 10 for Server 2008......) so they are not stingy on what you get given!

it also gives you 2x free MS tech support calls per yearly subscription - these are around £100-200 a time anyway - and very usefull if you get stuck and need to get a problem resolved - this is, from what i have read, not limited to technet software and can be used on production equipment...

So if you are a bit of a tech and want access to old and new MS software downloads/keys/pre-release software - then its good.. otherwise if your not into developing systems then chances are you will not get the full benifit of it. Depends on what type of tech you are - more of a workstation/server admin - then technet would be best... more of a programmer then MSDN subscription will give you access to a slightly tweaked software list thats more appropriate...

RobTang

Technet != MSDN

I have not read the MSDN sub T&C in detail but technet T&C forbid use in a development enviroment. Consumer use (like you are at home) is also forbidden as you are technically running a production and/or dev enviroment.
You are also NOT allowed to use technet for learning perpose either.

All these things are (more or less) valid under the MSDN, wich costs £1600 to get similar download rights. (exc VS)

tripled

Depending on what you do and what you're looking for, you can look at websitespark or bizspark to get some specific software cheaply.

John_Gray

Work for a charity and get your 2-year Technet subscription from CTX ... for £13+VAT...