Who qualifies for a TechNet subscription

[clifford_cooley]

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.

What is Microsoft® TechNet Subscriptions?

TechNet Subscriptions is a subscription program designed to help IT Professionals prepare for critical issues and plan for future deployments by providing them with fast and convenient access to the latest software for evaluation without time or feature limits1; beta releases; Professional Support Calls; and other technical information and tools to get their jobs done faster. Read the TechNet Overview for a list of the features included with a TechNet Subscription.

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.

Can I use evaluation software received in my TechNet Subscription on my devices in my home?

The TechNet Subscription license terms grant one user the right to install the program software on any devices, including those located at his or her home, but the user must fully comply with all the license terms no matter where the device is located. In other words, one user may install and use the evaluation software, only to evaluate it. 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. You may not use the evaluation software for software development or in an application development environment.

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.

 

[davehc]

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/...e6-4056-4059-8a1b-3a9b77cdfdda&displaylang=en

 

[TrainableMan]

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!

 

[clifford_cooley]

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

 

[Nibiru2012]

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.

 

[TorrentG]

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.

 

[Nibiru2012]

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.

 

[catilley1092]

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

 

[TrainableMan]

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.

 

[draceena]

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.

 

[clifford_cooley]

When I ask the question of "Who qualifies for a Technet Subscription?", I was thinking you could subscribe to Microsoft and download any of their products as long as you maintained a subscription.

Now I am under the impression that Technet is more of Microsofts version of Trialware. I see Technet as a way for anyone to download and try any of Microsofts products for a subscription price. However in the end once you have decided which products you like and which ones work for you, a regular license should then be purchased.

TechNet Subscriptions is a subscription program designed to help IT Professionals prepare for critical issues and plan for future deployments by providing them with fast and convenient access to the latest software for evaluation without time or feature limits

Key word - prepare, prepare for what if you have already deployed.

Key phrase - future deployments, future deployments of what if you already see the evaluation software as a permanent solution.


On a site that does not support Pirating issues, I must bring up this issue about TechNet and ask where the line is drawn. When does it become Pirating software while using TechNet as a way to download their software?

Have we crossed a line on forum policies while promoting TechNet subscriptions that could be associated with pirating.

 

[TrainableMan]

Not to make you angry, but you are being ridiculous. There is no line being crossed here. First off the word "designed" is not the same as "must be used for". Buy it or don't buy it, it's up to you but you aren't pirating anything.

BTW Cat, it seems the licenses are good for 12 months "Access full-version software for 12 months with no time or feature limits" so if you renew you could probably extend the license but you wouldn't really get "additional" licenses ... your old ones would expire and you qualify for new. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/subscriptions/default.aspx

 

[clifford_cooley]

Not to make you angry, but you are being ridiculous. There is no line being crossed here. First off the word "designed" is not the same as "must be used for". Buy it or don't buy it, it's up to you but you aren't pirating anything.

I'm simply looking for answers, which by the way I have just taken to Microsoft. I will let you all know how it goes.

Whether there is a line being crossed or not, I need to know either way.

 

[TrainableMan]

You are starting to sound as crazy as Cat running anti-virus daily and erasing HDs 5 times.

It is for evaluation purposes and according to that blirb I quoted it is only for 12 months. It also says it is not meant for production environment so if you do testing on your machine it's fine. I tinker with my machine every week so it's always potentially an unstable test environment; example the beta test of IE9.

I hope you get the answers you want from MS; I personally think you are being a weenie. I'd say if you have to ask then the answer for you is no. Kind of like the 10th commandment, If you think it is a sin and you do it anyway, then even if it wasn't a sin, you sinned.

 

[TorrentG]

Alright, that Cat thing about erasing hdds 5 times was a little funny (sorry Cat, I mean it in a playful/friendly manner.) lol

We can discuss this or any other things without names though...just felt it was appropriate to say, since I'm not involved in it....basically keeping the peace or whatnot.

Other than that, it's all good.

 

[catilley1092]

The software on TechNet is not a 12 month license, your subscription is for twelve months, but the software is without time limits.

This info can be found at:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/bb892759

Read Carefully near the top about time limits.

Cat

 

[Nibiru2012]

Have we crossed a line on forum policies while promoting TechNet subscriptions that could be associated with pirating.

No lines have been crossed, at all. Besides if someone wants a TechNet subscription, it doesn't take the mind of a "rocket scientist" to figure where to go get it.

Purchasing a TechNet subscription and using the available products that the subscriber is entitled to use is not "piracy" in any stretch of the meaning.

HOWEVER, if that user sells their product keys on eBay or through some other means then MS has every right to come in and take care of business with that particular individual.

 

[davehc]

The software on TechNet is not a 12 month license, your subscription is for twelve months, but the software is without time limits.

This info can be found at:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/bb892759

Read Carefully near the top about time limits.

Cat

Absolutely correct,cat

 

[TrainableMan]

Did you read the part about 12 months in that. link I had found? It seems contrary to what your link says. No wonder Clifford thinks it's unclear whether he is even welcome to join, Microsoft can be quite ambiguous.

 

[Nibiru2012]

Did you read the part about 12 months in that. link I had found? It seems contrary to what your link says. No wonder Clifford thinks it's unclear whether he is even welcome to join, Microsoft can be quite ambiguous.

You guys are making a mountain out of a mole hill! This has gone on ad infinitum, ad nauseum.

From the link TM gave:

Access full-version software1 for 12 months with no time or feature limits

A subscriber has ACCESS to the software and keys for 12 months. This means ACCESS to download the software for 12 months, ACCESS to obtain the product key(s) for 12 months.

NO TIME OR FEATURE LIMITS means EVEN IF the subscription expires the person who had the subscription may still use the software they ACCESSED for life. The keys they ACCESSED are good for life.

It is plain as nose on my face! It's plainly stated and should be plainly understood!