TechNet changes

[Deadjasper]

Thanks.

 

[yossarian]

So I hope the standard version will include the WHS v.2. My sub ends in the beginning of August and that's probably the only thing I still need...er...want. Already have Office 2010 and W7 Ultimate on all my machines (testing purposes only, of course, and it's going very well so far... ) and a WHS I upgraded to work with v.2 x64. I hate to spend $150 just for that but I guess WHS would cost more by itself if it's even available retail.

 

[Justintoxicated]

Just like Professional but with AppLocker and Bitlocker, etc. Corporate level stuff that you probably won't use at home. But if the subscription comes with Win 7 ultimate then you can use those features anyway.

I thought it was more like ultimate + extras (that I have no use for)? but if they only give you one license for it then not much of a loss.

 

[yossarian]

I thought it was more like ultimate + extras (that I have no use for)? but if they only give you one license for it then not much of a loss.

I think the enterprise key allows multiple installs. I don't know how many, probably a Company's worth...

 

[Justintoxicated]

might have been nice to have for an extra $50 then. Oh well.

 

[needmorecarnitine]

will the discounted renewal price work if you let your subscription lapse?

I bought one when they were $99 but it expired last year.

 

[jebo_4jc]

Sweet deal. I loved my technet sub back in the day. Let it die though since I got all the win 7 I needed
Posted via [H] Mobile Device

 

[arcturus]

If the keys go unused do they remain valid if the subscription lapses?

 

[heelix]

Is there anywhere I can find a list of what pieces of software are offered?

Here is what I see with mine.

Applications (59)
* Access 2003
* Access 2007
* Access 2010
* Accounting
* Business Contact Manager
* Business Contact Manager 2010
* Business ScoreCard Manager
* Front Page
* Groove 2007
* Hyper-V Server 2008
* Hyper-V Server 2008 R2
* InfoPath 2003
* InfoPath 2007
* InfoPath 2010
* Interconnect 2004
* Interconnect 2007
* Internet Explorer 6.0
* Office 2003
* Office 2007
* Office 2010
* Office Communicator 2005
* Office Communicator 2007
* Office Communicator 2007 R2
* Office Communicator Web Access
* Office Servers 2007
* Office XP
* OneNote 2003
* OneNote 2007
* OneNote 2010
* Outlook 2003
* Outlook 2007
* Outlook 2010
* PerformancePoint Server
* PowerPivot
* ProClarity
* Project 2002
* Project 2003
* Project 2003 Server
* Project 2007
* Project 2010
* Project Portfolio Server 2006
* Project Portfolio Server 2007
* Publisher 2003
* Publisher 2007
* Publisher 2010
* SharePoint Designer 2007
* SharePoint Workspace 2010
* Small Business Accounting(App)
* Virtual PC 2004
* Virtual PC 2007
* Virtual PC for Mac 6.1
* Virtual PC for Mac 7.0
* Virtual Server 2005
* Virtual Server 2005 R2
* Visio 2002
* Visio 2003
* Visio 2007
* Visio 2010
* Windows Virtual PC

Business Solutions (26)
* Dynamics AX 2009
* Dynamics AX 4.0
* Dynamics Axapta 3.0
* Dynamics CRM 1.0
* Dynamics CRM 1.2
* Dynamics CRM 3.0
* Dynamics CRM 4.0
* Dynamics GP 10.0
* Dynamics GP 2010
* Dynamics GP 7.5
* Dynamics GP 8.0
* Dynamics GP 9.0
* Dynamics NAV 2009
* Dynamics NAV 4.0
* Dynamics NAV 5.0
* Dynamics Point of Sale 2009
* Point of Sale 1.0
* Small Business Accounting
* Small Business Manager Financials 7.5
* Small Business Manager Financials 8.0
* Small Business Manager Financials 9.0
* Solomon 5.5
* Solomon 6.0
* Solomon 6.5
* Solomon 7.0
* Solomon FRx

Operating Systems (27)
* Compute Cluster Pack
* MS-DOS
* Small Business Server 2003 R2
* Windows 3.1 (16-bit)
* Windows 3.11 (16-bit)
* Windows 3.2 (16-bit)
* Windows 7
* Windows Advanced Server
* Windows CE DirectX Kit
* Windows CE Toolkit Visual C++ 6.0
* Windows Essential Business Server 2008
* Windows Home Server
* Windows Internet Explorer 7
* Windows Internet Explorer 8
* Windows Server 2003
* Windows Server 2003 R2
* Windows Server 2008
* Windows Server 2008 R2
* Windows Services for UNIX 1.0
* Windows Services for UNIX 2.0
* Windows Services for UNIX 3.0
* Windows Services for UNIX 3.5
* Windows Small Business Server 2008
* Windows Storage Server 2008
* Windows Vista
* Windows XP
* Workgroups 3.11 (16-bit)

Servers (75)
* Antigen
* Application Virtualization
* BizTalk Server 2002
* BizTalk Server 2004
* BizTalk Server 2006
* BizTalk Server 2006 R2
* BizTalk Server 2009
* BizTalk Server Accelerators and Adapters
* Commerce Server 2002
* Commerce Server 2009
* Connected Services Framework
* Content Management Server
* Customer Care Framework 2005
* Customer Care Framework 2008
* Customer Care Framework 2009
* Desktop Optimization Pack
* Exchange Server 2003
* Exchange Server 2007
* Exchange Server 2010
* FAST Search Server 2010
* Forefront Client Security
* Forefront Client Security Beta
* Forefront Identity Manager 2010
* Forefront Protection 2010
* Forefront Security for Exchange Server
* Forefront Security for SharePoint
* Forefront Security, Office Communications Server
* Forefront Server Security Management Console
* Forefront Threat Management Gateway 2010
* Forefront Unified Access Gateway 2010
* Forms Server
* Groove Server 2007
* Groove Server 2010
* Host Integration Server 2000
* Host Integration Server 2004
* Host Integration Server 2006
* Identity Integration Server 2003
* Identity Lifecycle Manager 2007
* ISA Server 2004
* ISA Server 2006
* KMS Host Server
* Live Communications Server 2003
* Live Communications Server 2005
* Office Communications Server 2007
* Office Communications Server 2007 R2
* Office Web Apps 2010
* Operations Manager 2000
* Operations Manager 2005
* Project Server
* Project Server 2010
* Search Server 2008
* Search Server 2010
* SharePoint Server 2001
* SharePoint Server 2003
* SharePoint Server 2007
* SharePoint Server 2007 Search
* SharePoint Server 2010
* Speech Server 2004
* SQL Server 2000
* SQL Server 2005
* SQL Server 2008
* SQL Server 2008 R2
* SQL Server Compact 3.5
* System Center Capacity Planner
* System Center Configuration Manager
* System Center Data Protection Manager
* System Center Essentials 2007
* System Center Essentials 2010
* System Center Mobile Device Manager
* System Center Operations Manager
* System Center Reporting Manager 2006
* System Center Service Manager
* System Center Virtual Machine Manager
* Systems Management Server 2003
* Systems Management Server 2003 R2

TechNet Technical Library (1)
* TechNet Technical Library

TechNet Technical Training (5)
* Technet Briefings
* TechNet Webcasts
* Technical Services Guides
* Windows Server 2008 Training
* Windows Vista Training

Tools and Resources (30)
* .NET Compact Framework 1.0
* .NET Compact Framework 2.0
* .NET Framework 1.0
* .NET Framework 1.1
* .NET Framework Redistributable 1.0
* .NET Framework Redistributable 2.0
* .NET Framework Redistributable 3.0
* Application Compatibility
* Baseline Security Analyzer 2.0.1
* Bookshelf Symbol 7
* CRC 3.05
* Data Analyzer 2002
* Desktop Player
* IIS
* ILMerge
* Internet Security and Acceleration
* Log Parser
* MSXML 4.0
* Office Resource Kit
* Services for Netware
* Solver Foundation
* SQL Server Migration Assistant
* SQL Server Tool (SQLH2)
* Translation Glossaries
* Windows Hardware Compatibility
* Windows Installer
* Windows Server Update
* Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor 1.0
* WinFS
* XML Parser 3.0

 

[elleana]

Ok, now that I just grabbed 10 copies of Office 2010, is there anything compelling coming up in the next year? Sub expires sometime in July.

 

[aldamon]

I hate to spend $150 just for that but I guess WHS would cost more by itself if it's even available retail.

WHS has been a $100 product in the past. Not sure how much v2.0 will cost.

Ok, now that I just grabbed 10 copies of Office 2010, is there anything compelling coming up in the next year? Sub expires sometime in July.

I asked the same question yesterday. The consensus seems to be WHS v2.0.

 

[Modred189]

Agreed. i just wish that there was some kind of assurance that it WOULD be added when the time comes. Despite getting Office 2010 keys, I'll only subscribe if I also get WHS2.

 

[Dual]

Wait a second. So if I buy this $200 subscription I will get 10 Windows 7 Professional keys to use? And they won't expire in a year if I let my subscription lapse? I will also get 10 Office 2010 keys? That seems too good to be true.

Yes it sounds too good to be true. But it is true. I have had as subscription for the last 2 years (I renewed so I could get Windows 7). And they added windows home server last year as well. Don't know if they will have the new home server called Vail.

 

[jebo_4jc]

Agreed. i just wish that there was some kind of assurance that it WOULD be added when the time comes. Despite getting Office 2010 keys, I'll only subscribe if I also get WHS2.

Yes it sounds too good to be true. But it is true. I have had as subscription for the last 2 years (I renewed so I could get Windows 7). And they added windows home server last year as well. Don't know if they will have the new home server called Vail.

Right. The big question in my mind is whether Vail will even be available on Technet when it is released.

If I recall correctly, WHS1 did not appear on Technet until around a year after it was released.

 

[DeaconFrost]

It amazes me that people refer to this as a well kept secret, without going into any real details of WHAT TechNet is supposed to be used for.

 

[heelix]

It amazes me that people refer to this as a well kept secret, without going into any real details of WHAT TechNet is supposed to be used for.

True. If you are looking to do dev work, look elsewhere. For those looking to test apps (like Steam, and all of the games in your library) against multiple versions of an operating system, this is perfect.

Software test scenarios allowed with TechNet Subscriptions

The following testing scenarios can be used during the software evaluation process. Please be aware that subscribing to TechNet Subscriptions does not grant user rights to test as part of a software application development effort.


TechNet Subscriptions software may be tested to determine the following:

Install/Uninstall – Time and process required for full, partial or upgrade software install/uninstall processes and system integration.
Recovery – Capacity for software to recover from crashes, hardware failures, or other catastrophic problems.
Security – Defining software’s ability to protect against unauthorized internal or external access.
Compatibility – Gauging software performance in existing or new hardware, software, operating system or network environments.
Comparison – Evaluating software to determine product strengths and weaknesses as compared to previous versions or similar products.
Usability – Assessing satisfaction among end users, observing end user utilization and understanding user interaction scenarios.
Performance – Ensuring software will perform as expected to requirements.
Stability – Estimating individual software’s ability to perform consistently, relative to system demands.
Environment – Determining software settings while software is being evaluated by end users in existing infrastructure.

 

[Modred189]

It amazes me that people refer to this as a well kept secret, without going into any real details of WHAT TechNet is supposed to be used for.

...continue.
Is there any reason why I, as a normal consumer, should not/could not subscribe?

 

[DeaconFrost]

Is there any reason why I, as a normal consumer, should not/could not subscribe?

I didn't think this needed to be spelled out yet again, but TechNet is not meant, or technically allowed to be used in a production environment. Take that definition as you will. In a business environment...it is definitely a no no, unless it is used in a lab (testing) environment. I doubt MS will come after an individual, but if you are abiding by the rules, this isn't meant to give you a cheap way of getting multiple licenses to cover a family's worth of computers. It blows me mind when I see people suggesting TechNet as a way to save money on several retail license. TechNet is not, and never was intended for this purpose.

Those are facts, plain and simple. Whether or not you choose to follow the rules of the program...that's up to you. I just really wish these threads about TechNet contained accurate information. I'm not telling you not to subscribe. I'm a current subscriber, and as an IT Manager, my company pays for it. It is important that you know what TechNet really is before signing up.

If you wanted to get technical, you, as a self-described normal consumer wouldn't be eligible for TechNet or MSDN.

 

[Neb]

...continue.
Is there any reason why I, as a normal consumer, should not/could not subscribe?

1) License terms state that Technet is for testing use only, meaning you are not allowed to use it for normal day-to-day use.

2) The license is only for you, meaning any software from Technet is for your use only. If someone else uses the software from your Technet license, they need a separate license for it to be legal.

Technet has been wonderful for my VM network, plenty of licenses to create a full scale test domain. I think

 

[Bahamut]

Im in need of my first copy of Win 7, should I get this vs buying retail?

TechNet is not supposed to be used just to get "free" or "really cheap" versions of Microsoft products; unfortunately that's the reputation it's developed over the past 2-3 years and it's getting worse.

The software is not licensed for personal use meaning your daily use PC - it's licensed for testing purposes only, learning purposes, that sort of thing, but nobody actually honors that anymore. Sure, maybe 1 or 2 people out there on Planet Earth do but, the overwhelming majority of folks - including scammers selling off "Windows 7" on eBay and craigslist and other places - are taking advantage of Microsoft's generosity in this.

They're buying subscriptions, getting the 10 keys, then dumping them off at cheap prices (like $50 per key) then buying another subscription, getting more keys, selling those off, repeat ad nauseum.

Nobody really cares anymore about doing the right thing... it's all about "Wow, let's get a TechNet sub and save a shitload of money by taking advantage of Microsoft and their stupidity for allowing such service in the first place..."

Sad, but true.

 

[Modred189]

I didn't think this needed to be spelled out yet again, but TechNet is not meant, or technically allowed to be used in a production environment. Take that definition as you will. In a business environment...it is definitely a no no, unless it is used in a lab (testing) environment. I doubt MS will come after an individual, but if you are abiding by the rules, this isn't meant to give you a cheap way of getting multiple licenses to cover a family's worth of computers. It blows me mind when I see people suggesting TechNet as a way to save money on several retail license. TechNet is not, and never was intended for this purpose.

Those are facts, plain and simple. Whether or not you choose to follow the rules of the program...that's up to you. I just really wish these threads about TechNet contained accurate information. I'm not telling you not to subscribe. I'm a current subscriber, and as an IT Manager, my company pays for it. It is important that you know what TechNet really is before signing up.

If you wanted to get technical, you, as a self-described normal consumer wouldn't be eligible for TechNet or MSDN.

1) License terms state that Technet is for testing use only, meaning you are not allowed to use it for normal day-to-day use.

2) The license is only for you, meaning any software from Technet is for your use only. If someone else uses the software from your Technet license, they need a separate license for it to be legal.

Technet has been wonderful for my VM network, plenty of licenses to create a full scale test domain. I think

TechNet is not supposed to be used just to get "free" or "really cheap" versions of Microsoft products; unfortunately that's the reputation it's developed over the past 2-3 years and it's getting worse.

The software is not licensed for personal use meaning your daily use PC - it's licensed for testing purposes only, learning purposes, that sort of thing, but nobody actually honors that anymore.

Thanks all, for the low-down. I may be lazy in not wanting to read the T&Cs, but it seemed like it should be spelled out once in the thread.

 

[oC|-TiTaN]

For those who didn't realize, each of the 10 keys is also valid for 10 automatic (online) activations, meaning theoretically for each version of Windows 7 you can activate it 100 times without the need to call in.

*edited for clarity*

 

[RangerXML]

For those who didn't realize, each of the 10 keys is also valid for 10 activations, meaning theoretically for each version of Windows 7 you can activate it 100 times.

Doesn't mean that after the 10 activations they are no longer valid, you need to manually activate them, just like any other normal retail copy. Nothing special and not intended for one key on multiple systems, infact this is designed to prevent that.

 

[Deadjasper]

I didn't think this needed to be spelled out yet again, but TechNet is not meant, or technically allowed to be used in a production environment. Take that definition as you will. In a business environment...it is definitely a no no, unless it is used in a lab (testing) environment. I doubt MS will come after an individual, but if you are abiding by the rules, this isn't meant to give you a cheap way of getting multiple licenses to cover a family's worth of computers. It blows me mind when I see people suggesting TechNet as a way to save money on several retail license. TechNet is not, and never was intended for this purpose.

Those are facts, plain and simple. Whether or not you choose to follow the rules of the program...that's up to you. I just really wish these threads about TechNet contained accurate information. I'm not telling you not to subscribe. I'm a current subscriber, and as an IT Manager, my company pays for it. It is important that you know what TechNet really is before signing up.

If you wanted to get technical, you, as a self-described normal consumer wouldn't be eligible for TechNet or MSDN.

Maybe this matter is best addressed by the cops. If you're a cop, then OK. If you're not a cop, why even concern yourself what others are doing with their Technet subscription?

 

[[LYL]Homer]

I'm 'testing' Win7 Ult. 64-bit/Office from Technet on my personal PC, wife's PC, laptop, HTPC, and WHS on my server. All to understand how it relates to various hardware, of course.

I also build PCs for others but none of my Technet software goes on their systems, I make sure to buy an OEM for them (or in a couple of cases their own Technet subscription).

 

[DeaconFrost]

Maybe this matter is best addressed by the cops.

Since when do the police address violations of EULAs and terms of service agreements? Can we stop with the "are you the TechNet police" BS?

I spelled out the factual terms of what is allowed and isn't by TechNet. Their terms are not up for debate. Whether or not you choose to follow them is up to you. I'm posting the factual information, so people have accurate info to base their decisions on. Too bad so sad if you can't understand that.

why even concern yourself what others are doing with their Technet subscription?

When the day comes that TechNet prices are raised due to the program being abused, those of us who use it properly will be made to pay the consequences. Again, a very simple concept to understand.

 

[aldamon]

Nobody really cares anymore about doing the right thing... it's all about "Wow, let's get a TechNet sub and save a shitload of money by taking advantage of Microsoft and their stupidity for allowing such service in the first place...

Taking advantage? Just how stupid do you think Microsoft is? They could pull the plug on this program or require actual IT credentials very easily but they don't. In fact, they keep begging me to re-up.

 

[DeaconFrost]

Taking advantage? Just how stupid do you think Microsoft is? They could pull the plug on this program or require actual IT credentials very easily but they don't. In fact, they keep begging me to re-up.

You are exactly right. They aren't stupid. So, what do you think the message will be when they see how many people signed up for one year to get Windows 7 and Office 2010, and then don't re-up? What if they decided to flip the switch on the keys to only work if the subscription is active? The fact is, the TechNet program is abused...massively abused. Many Windows 7 keys you see on eBay are actually TechNet keys, as an example of the abuse. As soon as Microsoft decides they are losing money on the program, you better believe changes will come.

But I'll also state it one more time for those who can't understand. I'm not against getting TechNet subs. You just need to know the terms and be aware of them. If you get one for yourself to use on your own systems, great. If you start giving out keys to friends, reselling them, etc...you are abusing it...no question about it.

 

[aldamon]

You are exactly right. They aren't stupid. So, what do you think the message will be when they see how many people signed up for one year to get Windows 7 and Office 2010, and then don't re-up?

The message to marketing is obviously panic because not only are they begging me to re-up (with E-mails and phone calls), but they're now reducing the price to $150, hence the thread. Any other factoids for us?

 

[DeaconFrost]

The marketing folks certainly want to retain your business. The point in contention is...what happens when Microsoft decides to really look into the program and if they determine it is being abused more than what they would determine as an acceptable level. Why is such a simple concept not sinking in?

 

[Modred189]

Maybe this matter is best addressed by the cops. If you're a cop, then OK. If you're not a cop, why even concern yourself what others are doing with their Technet subscription?

Because I asked for clarification, in order to educate myself before I subscribe. rtft

 

[aldamon]

The marketing folks certainly want to retain your business. The point in contention is...what happens when Microsoft decides to really look into the program and if they determine it is being abused more than what they would determine as an acceptable level. Why is such a simple concept not sinking in?

MS is making money hand over fist from every piece of software and subscription program they offer. The bean counters know exactly how their subscription programs are used and abused and nothing you've posted would be a surprise or cause an increase in price now or in the future. It's obvious they don't need help from the moral police that pop up in every TechNet thread or they wouldn't be offering this program for $150 to everyone without any proof of credentials whatsoever. If you are a business owner or commercial user and use TechNet incorrectly, they will bring down the wrath of God on you during an audit. If you're a home user, it's obvious they don't care.

 

[needmorecarnitine]

It blows me mind when I see people suggesting TechNet as a way to save money on several retail license.

it blows me mind also

The point in contention is...what happens when Microsoft decides to really look into the program and if they determine it is being abused more than what they would determine as an acceptable level.

what makes you think that they do not have a good grasp of how it runs right now? This isn't some guys in the back of the warehouse running their own side business.

 

[Neb]

Lets just leave the facts as they are and let people make decisions for themselves. I think in his original post DeaconFrost was making a good attempt at that without sounding condescending or argumentative. That being said I see the people on ebay that buy multiple technet subs to sell the keys as the lowest of low.

 

[DeaconFrost]

It's obvious they don't need help from the moral police that pop up in every TechNet thread

I don't really care what Microsoft needs or doesn't need from a forum. The entire point of my comments and others like mine, is to post FACTUAL information about the program, so each potential customer knows exactly what they are paying for. Not once did I say anything based on opinion or in an attempt to discourage anyone from getting TechNet. So, I'll ask one more time...what's the hard part of that to understand?

Do you grasp how much of an unknown TechNet is to people? If not, why do you think there are so many TechNet related threads? I'm don't really care about the morality, because that, like opinion, varies from person to person. My posts were to give the FACTS, and let people decide for themselves based on FACTS. Again...a very simple concept.

 

[DeaconFrost]

Lets just leave the facts as they are and let people make decisions for themselves. I think in his original post DeaconFrost was making a good attempt at that without sounding condescending or argumentative.

Thank you...someone gets my point!

 

[Deadjasper]

I don't really care what Microsoft needs or doesn't need from a forum. The entire point of my comments and others like mine, is to post FACTUAL information about the program, so each potential customer knows exactly what they are paying for. Not once did I say anything based on opinion or in an attempt to discourage anyone from getting TechNet. So, I'll ask one more time...what's the hard part of that to understand?

Do you grasp how much of an unknown TechNet is to people? If not, why do you think there are so many TechNet related threads? I'm don't really care about the morality, because that, like opinion, varies from person to person. My posts were to give the FACTS, and let people decide for themselves based on FACTS. Again...a very simple concept.

Some people have a cop mentality. They think it's there god given right to point out any and all infractions they see. Truth is, it's none of your business, discussion closed.

 

[DeaconFrost]

Truth is, it's none of your business, discussion closed.

Truth is, you're nothing but a troll, adding nothing to the thread, just attempting to debate a factual point with someone you don't agree with. The discussion is closed...and was never really open to begin with. Microsoft's terms are FACTS. I pointed out those FACTS. What a person chooses to do from that point on is up to them. You'd want to know the facts before signing up for any subscription, right? Exactly.

As for it being none of my business...well, so be it. Please do be careful stepping down from your pedestal, or dismounting from your high horse. If you can't see the point in simply giving people the facts, maybe you should find your way over to some Nickelodeon forums and spread your "wisdom" there.

 

[jordan12]

Truth is, you're nothing but a troll, adding nothing to the thread, just attempting to debate a factual point with someone you don't agree with. The discussion is closed...and was never really open to begin with. Microsoft's terms are FACTS. I pointed out those FACTS. What a person chooses to do from that point on is up to them. You'd want to know the facts before signing up for any subscription, right? Exactly.

As for it being none of my business...well, so be it. Please do be careful stepping down from your pedestal, or dismounting from your high horse. If you can't see the point in simply giving people the facts, maybe you should find your way over to some Nickelodeon forums and spread your "wisdom" there.

I can completely appreciate what Deacon is doing. He pointed out the facts of the rules to technet.

Whether someone follows those rules is the choice of the consumer. So let's appreciate what he was doing and move on.

 

[Deadjasper]

I can completely appreciate what Deacon is doing. He pointed out the facts of the rules to technet.

Whether someone follows those rules is the choice of the consumer. So let's appreciate what he was doing and move on.

When you understand WHY he felt compelled to point these rules out, you'll understand where I'm coming from. Attitudes like his lead to a police state where neighbor turns in neighbor and friend turns in friend.