Microsoft MSDN Subscription FAQ
What are Microsoft's MSDN Subscriptions?
Microsoft's MSDN Subscriptions are a grouping of core Microsoft products with Visual Studio, SQL Server and Operating Systems among the major components. The MSDN Subscription licenses are to be used for testing, demonstration and development only. MSDN Subscription components, such as SQL Server are not legal to use in a full production. MSDN Subscriptions offer priority access to the core Microsoft software products in order to provide the tools that one needs to develop core business infrastructure, web content, business logical applications, mobile applications, SQL databases and more.
MSDN Subscriptions generally offer technical support incidents (# depends on subscription level - please inquire), download access to all products provided in subscription, media shipments of all products available in subscription (on CD or DVD), on-line concierge, managed newsgroups and more.
How did Microsoft change the MSDN Subscription format?
Since Microsoft has released new versions of Visual Studio and SQL Server they decided that they wanted to rename the MSDN Subscriptions to reflect the centerpiece of the MSDN Subscriptions, which is the Visual Studio. So the change is mostly just in the name. Developers will still receive the same products and services that they are used to and in some cases more than with the MSDN Universal and MSDN Enterprise. Microsoft also decided to release the Team Editions of Visual Studio to better serve the specific roles that are common in the development model. The MSDN Team Editions have additional plug-ins to aid software Architects, Developers, Testers and Database Professionals. Microsoft also released the Team Suite Edition, which is a combination of all four MSDN Team Editions, plus the inclusion of the Microsoft Team Foundation Server.
How do I purchase Microsoft MSDN Subscription licensing?
SWI makes purchasing your Visual Studio and Visual Studio with MSDN licenses easy. We offer the entire line of Visual Studio products with and without MSDN Subscription licenses. You can choose between 1 year, 2 year and 3 year MSDN Subscriptions. Some restrictions apply on each license type, so please contact our MSDN Subscription licensing experts for details. Licensing is available for corporate, government, academic and charity organizations.
Is the MSDN Subscription license legal for use in a production environment ?
No, MSDN Subscriptions are only intended for use in a developing, testing or demonstration environment. Please consult SWI's MSDN Subscription licensing experts for additional details.
How do I know which MSDN subscription is right for me or my company ?
A couple things to consider: How many licenses are required? How many developers will be using the development products? Do you have current licensing? Is this licensing expiring soon? Do you have a qualifying upgradeable product? What is your role in the development life cycle? Do you work in a team or individually? These are all questions SWI will help to pinpoint so that we can consult you on the best options for you or your company.
Does Microsoft offer special pricing for charity, government and educations for MSDN Subscriptions ?
Yes, specific price levels and product SKUs are available for your organization. Microsoft and SWI will need to verify company or individual credentials in order approve or deny special pricing. Please call 1-800-774-9187 or e-mail sales@software-intl.com if you would like to apply for special pricing.
How do the role based MSDN Subscriptions Team Editions differ from the MSDN Universal and MSDN Enterprise Subscriptions ?
Microsoft has been using role based development products for some time now. They decided that they wanted to release this functionality to their developer community. The MSDN Universal and Enterprise Subscriptions included Visual Studio .NET 2003 without any of the role based modules. The new role based products aid in the development process by providing tools needed to develop. The new Visual Studio Team Editions come in 4 flavors: Editions for Architect, Tester, Developer and Database Professional. So, essentially the main difference is the version of Visual Studio that you receive has the modules/plug-ins designed to aid in specific development roles.
What are the role based modules included with Visual Studio Team Editions System ?
The modules/plug-ins for the role based versions of Visual Studio Team Editions are analogous to the spell checker in Microsoft Word. The base version of Visual Studio is essentially the same, but each has several modules that you may use. This graphic will help to explain the modules for the Visual Studio Team Editions .
Do I get everything in the new MSDN subscriptions that I am used to in the old MSDN Universal and Enterprise Subscriptions ?
The answer is essentially yes. There are a lot of new options. The Team Editions get you more than you are used to getting with MSDN Universal and Enterprise. The Visual Studio Professional with MSDN Premium is almost exactly the same as the previous MSDN Universal. Visual Studio Professional with MSDN Professional offers less than the previous MSDN Universal or Enterprise in that you do not get all the server products that you are used to, including SQL Server, and you also receive fewer tech support incidents. For a full list of the differences, please click here .
What is Visual Studio Team Suite with MSDN Premium Subscription ?
The Team Suite is the new top level of Visual Studio. It offers all 4 versions of Visual Studio Team Editions (Architect, Tester, Developer and Database Professional) plus, you receive the Team Foundation Server for 5 users as well. The Visual Studio Team Suite is different than the Visual Studio Team Editions. For a full list of the differences, please click here .
How does Visual Studio Team Suite differ from the Visual Studio with MSDN Premium Subscription for Architects, Testers and Developers ?
For a full list of the differences, please click here .
Is the MSDN Subscription licensing perpetual ? Can I use the products after my subscription has expired?
Yes, the licensing is perpetual, but the MSDN Subscription services are not perpetual. MSDN Subscription services expire depending on the length of your subscription.