Other product variants may be available, please contact us or request a call back if you cannot see what you are looking for.

Product Information

A TechNet Subscription is the ultimate resource for IT professionals. TechNet provides convenient access to full-version Microsoft evaluation software - without time limits! The annual subscription also includes 2 complimentary support incidents (Professional Subscription only), a technical information library, E-Learning courses and much more.

TechNet is available in three editions - Standard provides access to most Microsoft software, Professional provides access to all the latest Microsoft software and Professional with Media ships some software on DVD directly to you. Please see the editions section for more information.

TechNet includes:

• Microsoft software licensed for evaluation purposes. Evaluate full-version commercial products without time limits or feature limits, including Microsoft operating systems, servers, and Office System software. With full-version software, you can make informed decisions about new technologies and deployments at your own pace.
• Beta software. Receive pre-release versions of Microsoft operating systems, servers and business applications (1)
• Professional Support Incidents. For the toughest technical questions, a TechNet Professional subscription includes two complimentary Support incidents (2) and a 20% discount on additional purchased support incidents (3). Talk to a Microsoft Support Professional to help resolve mission-critical technical issues fast.
• Managed Newsgroup Support. TechNet provides unlimited access to over 100 Managed Newsgroups. Exchange ideas with other IT Professionals and get expert answers to your technical questions within the next business day - guaranteed.
• Technical resources for Microsoft products. Access the Technical Information Library containing the Microsoft Knowledge Base, security updates, service packs, resource kits, utilities, technical training, and product documentation to keep systems and IT skills up-to-date.
• Microsoft eLearning courses. To prepare for certification or simply to help build your technical skills, TechNet includes a selection of Microsoft eLearning courses for free each quarter.
• Online Concierge Chat. Chat with a Microsoft Search Assistant online for help finding the technical resources you need or for assistance with non-technical questions.

Notes:
1 Software is licensed for evaluation purposes only - not for use in production environments. TechNet subscriptions include the most recent Microsoft software version.
2 Phone charges may apply.
3 Discounts on pay-per-incident support are available only in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Denmark, Spain, Austria, Ireland, Finland, South Africa, Greece, Liechtenstein, Faeroe Islands, Gibraltar, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Australia, and New Zealand.

Benefits

Technical Support: Answers Are Standing By

• Telephone Support: A TechNet Professional Subscription includes two complimentary professional support incidents plus a 20 percent discount on additional technical support calls.
• Unlimited Managed Newsgroup Support: Get reliable answers to your questions by the next business day in more than 100 Managed Newsgroups (English only).
• Live help through Online Concierge: The Online Concierge is a one-to-one Web-based chat service for TechNet subscribers. The online assistant will help you locate the information you need to answer your questions.

Software and Updates: Get the Latest and Greatest

• Try Microsoft software without time limits: In the subscriber-only download center get access to full-version software licensed for evaluation purposes. This includes all of Microsoft's server products, desktop operating systems and more. This is where IT professionals get download access to Microsoft technology.
• Betas: Be one of the first to try out Microsoft operating systems, servers, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Automatic Microsoft product updates: Get the latest and most up-to-date service packs, resource kits, and utilities and run your systems more efficiently.
• Security Updates, Bulletins, and Hot Fixes: Get the latest security tools and updates - it's your emergency resource kit.

Online and Offline Access to the Microsoft TechNet Library

• Benefits Portal: Access all of your subscription benefits online through the Benefits Portal. Software, support services, the TechNet library and more are yours with immediate access. If you're interested, portable TechNet library disks are updated each month and include the latest Microsoft technical resources, including the Microsoft Knowledge Base, white papers, and technical product information.

Licensing

A single-user subscription is for individuals who need the technical content and resources just for themselves.

Each subscription license entitles only the designated subscriber to use evaluation software, support incidents and access the TechNet Benefits Portal and Subscriber Downloads site - no other users are entitled to use these resources. For full details on use rights, visit www.microsoft.com/technet/eula

Editions

TechNet Standard

TechNet Standard includes:

• Most Microsoft software for evaluation/testing use with no time or feature limits. Includes Betas and RC software but does not include Enterprise or Dynamics software
• 6 E-learning courses
• Online Concierge Chat
• Access to managed forums - get technical questions answered within 2 business days with review by Microsoft Support Professionals for accuracy

TechNet Professional

Includes all the features of Standard, plus adds:

• Access all Microsoft commercial software for evaluation/testing - including Enterprise products and Dynamics
• 6 additional E-learning courses taking the total to 12
• Two complimentary Professional Support Calls
• 20% discount on additional support calls

TechNet Professional with Media

Includes all the features of TechNet Professional and adds DVD media shipments of some software.