–Microsoft to Retire TechNet Subscriptions
I first started using TechNet in 1991. My company was exploring this new concept of Client/Server, having been entrenched in Main Frame systems, and was not willing to invest thousands of dollars in hardware and software for a learning exercise. As a result, they used the first release of SQL Server, still owned by Sybase, ported by Microsoft to operate on the Windows NT operating system.
In those days network connections consisted of multiple device drivers operating at different levels of network communication. It was difficult to find the correct combination for everything to work on the different client and server machines. TechNet was a fantastic resource as we diagnosed why our client workstations would not attach to our SQL Server service.
At that time TechNet shipped on the new media of a CD. Internet connectivity was typically made through dialup modems. The resources available on CD were essential for diagnosing, learning and resolving many different kinds of issues.
Recently Microsoft has determined TechNet subscriptions are no longer the best mechanism for supporting their customers. http://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions/ms772427. Online TechNet support services are available virtually anywhere, 24/7 with constant updates. With forums, the service is interactive in a way not possible from a CD/DVD Subscription service.
So, what is really going away? Nothing directly. However, instead of gaining access to licenses for Microsoft software that you may use for evaluation or testing purposes, you are going to be restricted to software that has a limited lifetime in the form of a true evaluation. Moreover, they anticipate that their online labs and services will allow companies truly interested in evaluation an opportunity to test software without the temptation to abuse the intention of the license.
A couple things to take away from this. 1) If you still want to use TechNet, you have a few days to update or open a subscription good through 2014 when all subscriptions will expire forever. 2) It’s time to consider looking into the online capabilities for evaluating and learning from Microsoft.
I find it interesting that Microsoft has not yet targeted MSDN. I guess time will tell. Is this going to impact your company or your resource for gaining support on the Windows platform services? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or drop me an Email at btaylor@sswug.org.
Cheers,
Ben
$$SWYNK$$
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