TechNet Subscriptions Being Phased Out

TechNet subscriptions, which provide IT professionals with the right to install and use software for evaluation purposes, are being phased out, but other free TechNet-branded online offerings such as TechNet Forums will continue. While Aug. 31, 2013, is the last opportunity to purchase a new annual TechNet subscription or renew an existing annual subscription through the TechNet website, current volume licensing customers will be able to purchase TechNet subscriptions for the remainder of their agreements. Current TechNet customers will eventually need to choose from a variety of alternatives that range from free to several times more expensive than TechNet.

Tool for Evaluation Gradually Scaled Back

TechNet, a per-user subscription, is most commonly used by IT professionals to do the following:

• Assess a software package’s technical capabilities—including performance, security, backup and recovery, and stability—as well as feature differences across editions in a product family
• Test