Introduction

Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) is a per-user, subscription-based offering that provides developers and operations personnel with access to software, services, support, and training for the creation of applications that exploit Microsoft’s products and services. Rules for MSDN subscriptions may appear straightforward: Software and services are licensed by per-user subscription but limited to nonproduction use. However, nuances in the licensing model, such as who can access the software and services during each phase of the application development life-cycle, can make compliance challenging in the event of a Software Asset Management (SAM) Baseline engagement, software audit, or license compliance review.

There are several ways MSDN subscriptions could be deployed within an organization. Generally, an organization will acquire MSDN for employees of its IT department who evaluate software or who develop and test applications built on Microsoft software or services. In addition, consultants and contractors may bring MSDN into the organization while working on development projects. And in some cases, employees may have personal MSDN subscriptions, acquired from the retail channel that they bring into the workplace.