As promised, Microsoft is no longer taking any new or renewed subscriptions to its TechNet service. The company shut down that opportunity at the end of August, despite calls to keep the program going from many IT professionals. Now Microsoft has revealed that it will be giving the remaining TechNet subscriptions a substantial extension.
In a newly updated FAQ page explaining the changes made to the TechNet service, Microsoft stated:
One of the most common pieces of feedback we heard from subscribers since we announced the retirement of the TechNet Subscriptions service is that IT professionals need more time to prepare for this change. As a result, eligible subscribers with active accounts as of September 1, 2013 will receive a free, one-time, 90-day subscription extension to access their product downloads, use their professional support calls, and get priority support in TechNet Forums.
Microsoft also plans to give the same free extension to eligible MAPS subscribers but will not offer it to people who bought their TechNet subscription from Volume Licensing. There will apparently be a delay in offering the 90 day extension to TechNet subscribers in the Asia Pacific region, due to their use of a different database.
In addition, Microsoft will also offer prior versions of the company"s software products for trial on the TechNet Evaluation Center website. Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 and others are currently available, with more to be added in the coming months.
Finally, ZDNet.com reports that members of its Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) program, who have received a free TechNet subscription, will also be eligible for the 90 day extension offer.
Source: Microsoft | Image via Microsoft