Hope it's true, thanks for the info.

I would imagine that with new releases again of Office and Windows that sales of Technet will also be on the rise this year.

pparks1 said:

I would imagine that with new releases again of Office and Windows that sales of Technet will also be on the rise this year.

The problem is MS has changed the rules on TechNet. The Product Keys you get will expire if you don't renew your subscription. Mine expires in October so I can at least get to use Windows 8 RTM for a while to decide if I will buy a retail version. To much abuse with the keys so they are cracking down.

Jim

As far as I know the keys do not expire if you don't renew your subscription, you just can't download any new ones so make sure if you are not renewing your subscription you download as many keys that you MAY need before they expire

That's not good news, but doesn't surprise me. Like you said too much abuse.

#4 (a You may not use the software if you do not have an active subscription.

Hi there
in some ways the whole TechNet contract is a bit unenforceable and a legalistic minefield -- for example It would imply that if I say download Windows 2012 server and then want to see if some software will work on it then I can't develop the software application on W2012 server -- Any sensible Court on the planet would see this part of the contract as a totally void part of the deal.

So if I want to develop a .NET or a Visual studio application for Windows 2012 server then I have to have W2012 server in the first place -- which makes the whole concept a bit meaningless --since you want to SEE IF IT WORKS ON W2012 FIRST.

The legalistic bit would come in though if I tried to SELL the application which I'd developed on W2012 server downloaded from TechNet.

This whole contract is RIDDLED with Worms that I doubt if any but a very small part is actually enforceable -- the two parts would be

Using the software in a productive environment and selling / giving away software downloaded from TechNet.

Anything else would certainly be laughed out of court by any half way competent Lawyer.

I'm not saying Don't follow the rules -- not at all --but a 100% STRICT ADHERENCE to all the conditions makes the whole package a total waste of time in the extreme. Like all things USE SENSIBLY - and remember it was OBVIOUS BLATANT misuse that got the keys whittled down from 10 to just 3 now -- might even be reducing to 2 for pro.

Incidentally sometimes you get stupid remarks from CEO Lawyers that a contract is there "For OUR protection". (Not in this particular instance -- but if you see this sort of jargon elsewhere you now know what to do with it).

At least here in this country this is total nonsense and was totally ruled out of order -- Our Law (and I think E.U law is the same) is that a VALID and ENFORCEABLE contract is made between TWO OR MORE PARTIES and to protect the interests of ALL PARTIES CONCERNED.

If one side says it's to "Protect Our interests" or totally bovine remarks of a similar nature then under our law the contract is null and void and cannot be enforced.

I believe in the UK a large mobile Telco got into trouble with this when a subscriber decided the service wasn't good enough and decided to terminate a contract early and was arguing about the penalty clauses.

The stupid suited corporate Lawyer actually told the Court -- We write these contracts for "OUR" protection.

Judge wasn't pleased -- Case dismissed with total (substantial) costs and damages awarded AGAINST the Telco. Well done that man having a go against some of this corporate B/S. We need Commercial Law --but PLEASE let it be sensible and fit for purpose and FAIR to all PARTIES concerned.

Cheers
jimbo

Dave76 said:

That's not good news, but doesn't surprise me. Like you said too much abuse.

#4 (a You may not use the software if you do not have an active subscription.

Last line of #7

Microsoft may deactivate or otherwise limit your keys when your subscription ends. Deactivated keys will not be able to activate software.

#8

Ending the subscription You may cancel your subscription at any time. Your subscription expires if you do not renew by paying the subscription fee prior to the expiration of the subscription period. Microsoft may suspend or terminate your subscription if Microsoft believes that you have failed to comply with any part of this agreement. If your subscription ends for any reason:

• you must stop using the software and any benefits associated with the subscription, and
• you must destroy all copies of the software in your possession.

This new agreement was effective on July 16, 2012 but may only apply to new subscriptions or renewal. I subscribed to TechNet last October and maybe other members can clarify the following statements. Under the old agreement if your subscription expires and you do not renew, then any software and keys you have would still be valid. If you renew then any NEW keys you obtain would expire when your subscription expires.

Jim

I have not heard of anybody who had their technet keys expire after letting their contract lapse. But from a legal standpoint, they certainly could do it.

With that said, given all of the software that you get, it's $199 for the 1st year and $149 a year thereafter....so very, very reasonable. Considering that you get multiple activation keys for Windows desktops and Microsoft Office, this thing pretty much pays for itself as long as you have at least 1 computer at home. If you have more than 1, then it's really cost effective even when renewing. And you also get access to the server software as well, which is great if you want to get into the IT field or run your own server on your home network.

With a retail copy of Windows 7 Ultimate costing nearly $235 from Amazon, (http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-GLC-...ndows+7+retail), everything else you get is practically free.