If you love to tinker with Microsoft software, you really should have a TechNet Plus subscription. For $349 ($249 to renew), you get a year-long subscription that gives you the right to download, install, and activate just about every piece of software that Microsoft makes: every edition of Windows Vista (including Ultimate and Enterprise), Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, every member of the Windows Server family, nearly every member of the Office family, and a slew of tools.
You can get more details on this TechNet Plus overview page, but what you won’t find there is this $100 off coupon, which I found courtesy of Kevin Remde. Enter the coupon code TMSAM08 when you place your order, and that $349 first-year price tag shrinks to $249. (Sorry, this offer is good only in the U.S., and it expires in May 2008, so don’t wait too long.)
A few more details:
- The software is licensed for evaluation only, but it has no time bombs, so even if you choose not to renew, you can continue to use it. (Want more details about licensing? Read this FAQ.)
- You also get access to beta software, such as Windows Server 2008.
- Each annual subscription includes two complimentary Professional Support incidents, which would normally cost $59 each.
- You get access to managed newsgroups, where you’re guaranteed an answer within one business day.
I’ve been a TechNet subscriber for three years, and it’s really a fabulous deal. In fact, for the work I do it’s indispensable. More questions? Hit the comments and ask away.
Is there a list somewhere of what software is available through the TechNet subscription?
BD,
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/bb892756.aspx
I have been looking at getting the Technet Plus subscription for quite a while, but never bit until the $100 off promo. As a newly minted MCSE (as well as quite a few other MS and other industry standard certs that I’ve had for a while), I think the Technet Plus sub will help with alot of the stuff that is impossible to learn or reinforce in a live production environment or even a corporate testing environment limited by licensing constraints. Granted, there are limited time trial versions of the new products as well, but it’s definitely nice to know that I’ll have the product without the need to rebuild a box once I have everything working EXACTLY like I want it to work and then -poof- the trial expires.
Guess I’ll have to spring for some “real” server hardware for my home lab now
Ed, are there any plans to extend a complimentary Technet subscriptions to those earning major end certifications (MCITP: EA, MCPD, MCA, etc) in the future? I know at one time MS did that, but I guess it got a little pricey for them.
The current best promo code I have for Technet subscription is TMSAML06 and will get you a price of $209 US. Enjoy!
^^^
+1 There are a few different codes you can enter. TMSAM04 still works and gets you a $100 discount.
Great subscription. I’ve signed up for this and the AP a number of times over the past few years and by far this is the best solution for the home “eval” user. To stay in the clear at work, sign up for the Action Pack.
I know it has been said but peopple must understand that if you are looking for software to use evryday for your personal computers then you will need to purchase legit copies. These aren’t just cheap liscenses. These liscense are for IT professionals to eveluate and test microsoft software to aid it support issues and the like. As someone who works in the industry I ask that people don’t abuse this subscription so microsoft doesn’t do away with it or start raising the price. If you are looking for a application pack for production please take a look at action pack. If you still don’t qualify, purchase the software from a retail outlet.
Thanks for this. It finally gave me enough incentive to try out Vista, the result of which is that I’m now a Vista 64 convert. After years of paying full boat to essentially be an OS beta tester, it’s nice to see some value from Microsoft.
I have downloaded the vista enterprise and I get the meaasge that the trial period is over and I need to purchase a license to contniue with the functinality of it. I thought with the tech net plus subscription I would be able to use it and update it as needed with not ime limits is this not a true case. please let me know.
James, you have to go to your Product Keys page in TechNet, get a product key, and use that key to activate your copy.
Technet Plus sounds like a great program, question, does it also let you download older version than what Microsoft is currently pushing. With the change to 64-bit, I need access to some older 32-bit stuff, ie. Exchange, SBS, etc.