Microsoft offering free software with one-year Technet Plus Subscriptions

iunie 03 09:00 2009

Microsoft seems to be running some sort of promotion that allows users a free one year subscription to the Technet Plus service. Technet Plus subscriptions are aimed at IT professionals and allow you access to full-version Microsoft software (including operating systems, SDKs, language packs, and more), beta software, professional support incidents, online concierge service, and an abundance of resources for evaluating and deploying Microsoft software. Windows 7 Milestone builds such as the Beta and Release Candidate were always offered via Technet a couple of days in advance to the public release date.

The subscription normally goes for $399 USD but you can get a free subscription for a year right now. Use the following links corresponding to your localization:
Canada Link
US Link
UK Link

Once you’ve clicked one of the links, click the Buy button. You will then be prompted to sign in if you haven’t already. Log in with any account associate with the Windows Live network such as your hotmail, Windows Live, or existing Technet account credentials. Once you’ve done so, fill in your name, address, email, and phone-number, and click on Continue, then the Place Order button. Once you’re at the Order Receipt page, you’re not finished yet. Scroll down and follow the three steps as stated:

1. Sign In: Visit the TechNet Subscriptions Benefits Portal (you may be prompted to re-sign in using your Windows Live ID).

2. Register: You will be required to enter your first name, last name, e-mail address (exactly as they appear in your “Ship to” information) and Benefit Access Number: 1203325099 and accept the license terms.

3. Access Benefits: Once you have completed the registration, you will be able to access your online benefits, including Subscriber Downloads from the TechNet Subscriptions Management page. Each time you visit you will sign in using your Windows Live ID.

That’s it! This took me a couple of minutes and I was set up in no time. Enjoy your one-year Technet Plus subscriptions.