Who qualifies for a TechNet subscription

TechNet Subscriptions Frequently Asked Questions

I've been doing a little reading to see if I would be legal in getting a TechNet Subscription. What I found is that I would not be legal.

If you are not an "IT Professionals preparing for critical issues and planning for future deployments". The TechNet subscription is not for you. This is how I am interpreting that quote.

This quote automatically counts me out regardless. If I downloaded anything from TechNet, it would be to use not evaluate. I knew there had to be a reason the price was so cheap, I never did take the time to read up on the TechNet Subscription. No wonder cat was denied a specific subscription when he said he was a casual user. The TechNet subscription is not for the casual user period regardless of which type of subscription.

If I'm wrong about this please tell me because I only see one way to interpret those quotes.

Microsofts definition of an IT pro covers a wide field.

"What is the definition of an “IT Pro?”
IT Professionals plan, install or configure, deploy, integrate, manage and support the technology infrastructure for their organization and its end users and may be either employees of the organization or employees of a vendor hired to perform the relevant IT services for it. Positions held and/or functions performed by IT Pros include: Help Desk Technicians, Desktop Technicians, Desktop Administrators, Server Administrator, Database Administrator, IT Manager, and Infrastructure Specialist."

But there was a previous thread on this subject. As I said then, this bit makes sense. I feel that Micosoft are covering themselves against possible libel with

"You may not use it in a live operating environment, a staging or production environment, or with data that has not been sufficiently backed up."

It would not make sense to , for example, use this in, for example, an office environment.at the risk of losing essential data.

But maybe you are being too hard on yourself and your interpretation? Is it possible that MS have deliberately made a smokescreen around the issue. How, for example, could one possibly justify "evaluating" such available ancient material as Frontpage and windows 3.1? Even MS are not that naive to imagine it as a scenario.
Cats quoted comment did not relate to a technet subscription. As he said, he attempted to get the software before he obtained a subscription.
Enterprise was a full blown OS, so a few provisos were put in the way, but I am not clear why he would have had the same problem with the SP1 Beta. Only requirement there was to have a validated copy of Windows 7 (I think?)

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/e...displaylang=en

Yeah Clifford you're trying to walk too thin a line. Do you use a computer to do any work? Then you are an IT professional.

Are you worried how product changes will affect your build, make it crash etc; then you have a right to evaluate it ... indefinitely. Are you curious about Windows 8 or Office 2010 and how it will run on your computer; then evaluate it.

Can you afford the cost of a technet subscription? Yes, then you qualify!

Am I wrong in thinking evaluate means test today then purchase later for normal use.

Well, I know a lot of people with TechNet subscriptions and use them strictly for their own personal and family use. No problems at all.

I suppose if one wants to "split hairs" then it's up to them.

For me personally, next year is when I'm going to get my TechNet subscription. A full professional version, not a standard one.

As long as the keys provided are for personal use, I don't see why there should be any issues.

This is only my opinion and nothing substantial at all like Microsoft's opinion, but being a moderator on a technical site or posting helpful posts often as other members do, does make you a professional, even if not being paid.

Like I said, just an opinion.

Everyone in this thread does well for and by Microsoft, and so do many others too.

I guess I'm overqualified then because I'm a moderator on three websites and an administrator on another site... whew!

Busier than a fox in a hen house! LOL!

Maybe MS should give me my TechNet subscription at a reduced price... hmmm I don't think that will ever happen.

Paul Thurrott gets an MSDN subscription for free, for what, because he runs a website? Those subs costs a lot more than TechNet ones does.

But I feel that anyone who uses a computer on the job, period. Even a handheld to run routes with, manages a computer, and therefore meets the requirements to join TechNet. Like I said, not a single question was asked, regarding my employment or anything.

They just wanted a credit (or debit) card number, to read the EULA carefully, and click "I agree" to process your payment, and issue your membership.

Oh, I forgot, there was one other requirement. You need a Windows Live ID.
I guess that made me qualified.

Cat

Clifford if you evaluate the software and then recommend or discourage it's use right here on this forum then you are not only evaluating it but helping get the word out to lots of potential customers.

I.E. Did you download and install Windows 7 Beta? (I know I did; 1st I tested it in Virtual Box and 2nd I did a full install and ran it as my 'live' OS to see if it played nice with all my hardware and software)

This would qualify you for the Subscription.