Technet subscriptions --Keys to be REDUCED again to 3 in Mid Mar

Hi there

Thanks for that info -- I also didn't realize that they could be activated 10 times so it's not so bad as I thought -- but with 3 if it were really only 3 - no multiple activations that would be tight -- I do test a few different configurations - both Real and Virtual machines.

Some products don't always activate 10 times though -- Office 2010 is fine as there is a "Terminal Server" type MAK edition available -- one key but MAK, however Visio and Project 2010 seem only to activate ONCE. I got my 10 keys for those a while ago so I'm OK -- also these aren't heavily used products compared with standard office features.

Cheers
jimbo

Hi there

Actually by doing this doesn't solve the piracy problem -- it would have been much more sensible for MS to block keys and subscriptions of mis users. Or even give any product downloaded from technet a 180 day expiry -- that should be long enough to test anything.

The more restrictive you make something ALWAYS ALWAYS results in one of two outcomes.

1) More Piracy. I've noticed just recently a VERY significant increase of MS stuff on the 'OID. This seemed to start as soon as the technet keys were reduced. Strange co-incidence.

2) Even legit users find alternative problems if the activation mechanisms get too complex -- just look at the dreadful situation Acronis has got into with its activation procedures to True Image Home 2012 -- nearly everone I know is sticking to True Image 2011 until they find an alternative product.

MS won't actually gain any extra business from this -- I'll bet on my next visit to Shanghai I can probably find a WORKING copy of Windows for around 2 USD !!! in the first Bar or Pub I go into and NOBODY --probably even JC himself couldn't stop this type of activity.

Cheers
jimbo

Hi there
then there should be a qualifcation on WHO can buy a technet subscription -- why should every scrobbit on the planet who just can stump up 200 USD or so (not much more than a single retail price for W7 Ultimate) be allowed a subscription.

MS should make Qualification mandatory -- rather like MSDN.

cheers

jimbo

Yes they should insist that in order to be qualified you need to be at least a guru on this forum.

I'd like to think that the amount of free support Microsoft gets from this forum would qualify most of us for a free subscription or at least get some kind of discount.

Phone Man said:

MS makes the rules as it is their products. If they decide to change the rules, which they just did that is their right and so be it. If it gets to the point that I don't qualify or it gets too costly I will not renew. That is my choice.

Jim

Hi there
Not normally an argument with that but generally when you sign a subscription for something you don't expect the conditions to be changed until it's time to renew.

I know the usual bunch of sleazebag scrobbits who call themselves Lawyers will point out the small print somewhere "Ms has the right to vary conditions or withdraw them at any time without notice" ... but this is usual corporation greed get out.

Technically the same applies if you buy an airline ticket -- unbelieveably you can find somewhere buried in the loads of text on the back of the form - booking conditions where it says words to this effect

"We've got your money but we are not forced to provide the service for which you've bought your ticket" --but if they tried to carry this out I can imagine what outrage there would be in the US Federal Court system.

You buy a service and IMO it's not unreasonable to EXPECT the conditions not to change half way through for EXISTING customers until the subscription runs out.

Cheers
jimbo