Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Subscriptions
What is MSDN?
The Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) is a set of online and offline services designed to help developers write applications using Microsoft products and technologies.
MSDN Subscriptions are available at three levels. This offers developers, teams, and organizations a choice in what is included in the subscription. See Microsoft's Web site for information on how edition differs and to compare the different subscription levels. Subscriptions are purchased under the Select Agreement like other Software & License Assurance items, and expire at the end of our current Select Agreement.
- MSDN Premium
- MSDN Professional
- MSDN Operating Systems
How is MSDN licensed?
MSDN Premium, MSDN Professional and MSDN Operating Systems are licensed for single users, and can only be used by licensed subscribers. All products that ship in MSDN Subscriptions are for development and test purposes only, and cannot be used in a live production environment.
For more information on licensing and usage, please refer to Microsoft's FAQ.
All MSDN subscriptions purchased under the University's Microsoft Academic Select Agreement expire at the same time as the Agreement, and prices are prorated annually. The current Select expiration date is September 30, 2008. In order to continue using MSDN, existing subscribers will need to purchase new subscriptions under the Select Agreement after it is renewed.
How do I purchase MSDN subscriptions?
MSDN subscriptions, along with other server and desktop products not already licensed under the Microsoft Campus Agreement can be purchased from Dell under the Microsoft Academic Select Agreement.
Can I purchase MSDN media?
MSDN licenses do not include media. If you would like to purchase a media kit separately, subscribers can contact the University's Dell sales rep for more information. Although Microsoft's site indicates that media kits can be purchased under volume agreements, we have as yet not been able to obtain information or pricing and availability from Dell.
How do I access my MSDN subscription online?
MSDN subscribers can access their subscription online using their Microsoft Passport login. Once you have purchased a subscription, you can request access by sending proof of purchase to Software Distribution and Sales. All subscription registrations are handled centrally by SDS.
Can I register my subscription myself?
While Microsoft does provide a Web site for self-registration, we encourage all customers to request access through Software Distribution (see above). To register yourself, you must have access to both the master agreement number and enrollment number for the UT System's Microsoft Academic Select Agreement.
Because these numbers are used for many other account administration purposes, SDS does not make them available for use.
How do I renew my MSDN subscription?
MSDN subscriptions automatically expire at the end of the UT System's Microsoft Academic Select Agreement which lasts for three years. Upon renewal of this agreement, customers can purchase new subscriptions through the Large Account Reseller for the renewed agreement (currently Dell Computer Corp.) As with new subscriptions, customers should send proof of purchase to Software Distribution and Sales to request that their subscription(s) be registered for online access.
Is there a version of MSDN for academic use?
In an effort to promote the use of its tools with young developers, Microsoft provides a subscription service for technical academic departments called MSDN Academic Alliance (MSDN AA). Please see http://www.msdnaa.net/ for details.
Per the terms of this service,
"The software must be used for instructional and research purposes; it may not be used to run the infrastructure of the department. In addition, the department's faculty and students may check-out or download the software to install on their personal computers."
As an example, UT Austin's College of Engineering has signed up for this service allowing them to deploy Visio and Project for instructional and research usage.
