Thread: Changes to MSDN/Technet subscriptions

Unfortunately it seems a few bad apples have spoiled it for everyone else once again. See the supplied report for details:

If you are a subscriber to Microsoft's MSDN and TechNet programs, get ready to be hit with more restrictions. Microsoft has announced plans to launch new policies on how users can access these two services. MSDN and TechNet are supposed to allow select business customers and software developers access to past and present Microsoft software product keys for an annual subscription fee.

ZDNet.com is reporting that these changes are being made in response to the influx of MSDN and TechNet product keys that are later resold to outsiders, along with pirated discs. One of the new restrictions will cut the number of product keys for current versions of Windows and Microsoft Office that MSDN subscribers can receive in half, from 10 to just five. MSDN subscribers will only get three product keys for older software versions.

MSDN and TechNet subscribers will also see the number of keys they will be able to claim per day cut down from 55 to 10. In addition, the new terms will eliminate access to all stand alone programs in the Microsoft Office suite, along with taking away access to older versions of Office. They will still be able to access the entire current Microsoft Office suite.

Finally, TechNet subscribers will no longer be able to use any programs from Microsoft if they decide not to renew their subscription. Previously, they were able to continue to use Microsoft programs they downloaded and used even if they stopped being a TechNet subscriber.

The new terms and policies are supposed to go into effect for current MSDN and TechNet users in a couple of weeks, according to the article.

Update: Microsoft has sent us a note saying that ZDNet.com's article was incorrect in terms of the number of keys MSDN and TechNet subscribers will be able to claim per day. We have changed the article to reflect the correct numbers.

Such a shame that greed has once again triumphed....


Reference:
Microsoft adds more restrictions to MSDN/TechNet users [Update] - Neowin

This TechNet change is particularly damaging to TechNet Standard subscribers. I was unaware of the change until I reinstalled a previously installed OS with a TechNet product key and after installation, I learn that my product key is no longer valid. Standard members cannot even download MANY, MANY products (Vista Business and Windows 7 Ultimate for two examples) even if you have a purchased product key and just need the installation DVD. I attempted to download a copy of Vista Business and use the product key on the certificate of authenticity on the bottom of the computer. Nope, You cannot even download a copy of the OS. My list of product keys shows "You have claimed 1 of 0 keys on many products." Several of these products are currently in use on hardware I own and cannot be reinstalled without purchasing a product key. This change is particularly damaging to TechNet Standard members as TechNet Pro members have many more products still available to them than Standard members. I learned the extent of the "chop" when attempting to download a copy of Vista Business to reinstall on a laptop using the original product key on the certificate of authenticity on the case. The download was not available to my subscription level. I installed Windows 7 Ultimate using a DVD and product code that has previously worked and that installation would not activate. In this particular case, I was able to download, install, and (I believe) activate a copy of Windows 7 Professional. (Obviously I cannot test Vista performance with this installation, tho.)

Standard TechNet members must be very sure of your actions before you install or reinstall any product lest you get caught with an installation that will not activate.