Microsoft Action Pack Subscription (MAPS) Or Technet?

[curlysir]

I have been looking at the Microsoft Action Pack Subscription (MAPS) and the TechNet Subscription. First impression is that the TechNet subscription would probably be the best way to go.

Comments appreciated.

[Sick Willie]

I opted for MAPS. Cost less, seems to be comparable in included products.

[eastbayrae]

How many licenses of each product do you get? My Technet came with 10 licenses each of everything, except games, that MS makes.

[Sick Willie]

Originally Posted by eastbayrae

How many licenses of each product do you get? My Technet came with 10 licenses each of everything, except games, that MS makes.

Probably not nearly that many. Some are 10 license, some are one. It more than covers what I, individually and as a company, can use. From my reading of the Technet licensing, you are only allowed to use the software for evaluation and you are the only licensed user.

TechNet Plus Direct and TechNet Plus Single User are licensed to individuals. Software provided through TechNet Plus is for evaluation purposes and cannot be used in a live production environment. For more details on licensing, see the Licensing FAQ or the Master End-User License Agreement.

For me, that still wouldn't be an issue (as to being the only licensee) since I'm a one man show. The rest would be an issue, though. But, I can use the MAPS software for "production" without violating the license agreement.

With the Microsoft Action Pack Subscription (MAPS), you’re entitled to internal-use software for running your business, developing applications, and testing new solutions. These licenses may not be resold or used for personal reasons or for customer training. Licenses are provided for the latest released versions of Microsoft software only.

[curlysir]

Do MAPS licenses expire? I know Technet do not. Right now Technet is cheaper. I am still leaning towards Technet.

[Sick Willie]

Technically the licenses are different. MAPS requires a valid subscription whereas it looks like Technet requires a valid subscription for download rights. Technet licenses only allow you to evaluate the software, so any further use is outside the scope of the agreement.

MAPS is $299 (new subscription) and only includes the latest versions, Technet is $349 (new subscription) and includes all versions (so it appears). On the face of it, Technet offers more licenses, but does it matter if you don't plan on staying within the license agreement anyway. Hmmm, I wonder if it's too late to cancel this MAPS subscription.

[eastbayrae]

Technet allows you to use the software for as long as you want. The main difference between them and OEM licenses is when you do an upgrade you don't have to call and explain yourself to MS. You get 10 licenses of each title to do what you want with. It is by far the better deal. Add to that their tech forums and site in general are wonderful for MS stuff. MS CSR work the forums on a daily basis. You can find 25% off Technet sub coupons all over. I paid $280 for a year.

[curlysir]

Originally Posted by Sick Willie

Technically the licenses are different. MAPS requires a valid subscription whereas it looks like Technet requires a valid subscription for download rights. Technet licenses only allow you to evaluate the software, so any further use is outside the scope of the agreement.

MAPS is $299 (new subscription) and only includes the latest versions, Technet is $349 (new subscription) and includes all versions (so it appears). On the face of it, Technet offers more licenses, but does it matter if you don't plan on staying within the license agreement anyway. Hmmm, I wonder if it's too late to cancel this MAPS subscription.

I am a very slow evaluator Right now there is a 25% discount off on Technet.

[eastbayrae]

You will laugh when you goto the OS downloads page on Technet. They go all the way back to Win 3.11.

[Sick Willie]

Originally Posted by eastbayrae

Technet allows you to use the software for as long as you want. The main difference between them and OEM licenses is when you do an upgrade you don't have to call and explain yourself to MS. You get 10 licenses of each title to do what you want with. It is by far the better deal. Add to that their tech forums and site in general are wonderful for MS stuff. MS CSR work the forums on a daily basis. You can find 25% off Technet sub coupons all over. I paid $280 for a year.

Well, technically, not whatever you want:

TechNet Plus Direct and TechNet Plus Single User are licensed to individuals. Software provided through TechNet Plus is for evaluation purposes and cannot be used in a live production environment. For more details on licensing, see the Licensing FAQ or the Master End-User License Agreement.

Since I planned on using my software for exactly what MAPS described, I opted to go that way. Maybe next time I'll squint when I read the license agreements.

I am a very slow evaluator

Word.

[curlysir]

I just subscribed to the Technet and started the 1st download. I am on a satellite connection so I will have to monitor my downloads to not exceed my allocation.

[Sick Willie]

Originally Posted by curlysir

I just subscribed to the Technet and started the 1st download. I am on a satellite connection so I will have to monitor my downloads to not exceed my allocation.

Ouch. All the good ones are big downloads.

[curlysir]

Originally Posted by Sick Willie

Ouch. All the good ones are big downloads.

I know , but I will be OK, as I will space out the downloads. Satellite is better then dial-up but can be a real pain at times. But I don't have any better option at the present time. I don't have the time right now anyway to download, install, and set up everything I want. Office 2007 first and then upgrade my Window 7 Home Premium to Pro. Besides I need a brief break right now after upgrading 2 computers from XP to Windows 7. The Windows upgrade was not a problem but reloading all the software twice was a real PAIN

[eastbayrae]

I took me a week on sat net to download it.

[Sick Willie]

LOL. Apparently I have more money than sense, since I now have both subscriptions.

Took me about an 1.5 hours to download Win 7 Pro @ 6 Mb/s a couple of days ago.