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MSDN Experience - October 2005
Welcome to the next edition of MSDN Experience Newsletter from VBUG, the UK's leading group for VB developers. As you know VS2005 is being launched in just a few weeks, with this launch comes a complete over-haul of the MSDN subscriptions.
Time is running out fast, so read up and remind yourself about these changes - make sure you don’t miss out. The last MSDN Experience mail outlined these MSDN changes, as a refresh here’s an overview.
There are also new levels being introduced; Visual Studio 2005 Professional with MSDN Premium – according to MS this is the closest match to the CURRENT MSDN Universal subscription (no VS Team System element). Visual Studio Team Suite – a single user license covering all 3 of the Team System subscriptions (Developer, Architect and Tester). As current, all MSDN subscriptions (even Team Suite) will per a PER DEVELOPER license for testing and development only. If your role within a development team consists of you playing all three roles (Arch, Dev, Test) then there is a promotion running from the 1st Nov 2005 that will enable you to “Step Up” your MSDN Universal, Enterprise, or one of the VSTS roles to the VSTS Suite. The cost of the “Step Up” will be the difference between the current active MSDN subscription and the VSTS Suite price”. Pricing details to be confirmed soon!! Did you know.. Any product with MSDN Premium will now have Team Foundation Server included! Call to action Current Universal Subscribers – In December your MSDN shipment will consist of the Visual Studio Team Suite, this will be a time bombed copy (180 days as I understand it). This will further help you with the decision as to which of the 3 levels to transition to, or indeed if you should upgrade to the full suite. Once you have decided on the appropriate version you need to notify Microsoft (you can do this by calling the MSDN Information Centre on 0500 123 536 or if you have purchased your license through VBUG we can act on your behalf). Similarly if you decide to opt for the Team Suite contact VBUG for the upgrade quotation. Current Enterprise Subscribers – Your FOC transition will take place in November, with the December shipment containing your new VS Team System for Developer disks etc. If you are interested in further upgrading to VS Team Suite contact VBUG for a quotation. Current MSDN Professional subscribers – your transition is mainly a name change, of course giving you VS2005 Professional!! If you want to enhance your version to the VS2005 Professional and MSDN Premium subscription (i.e. same server etc content as a current Universal) call VBUG for the upgrade cost. If you are a current subscriber and are due to lapse in the next few months you may want to consider and early renewal. The VSTS subscriptions are higher level / value product than current so I would expect costs to be higher. By renewing a few months early you could be pre-empting higher rates further along the line. Reduce your initial outlay too by changing your license format to MYO – the 3 year annual payment scheme. Call VBUG for a chat about your options. Potential new MSDN subscriber? Then act NOW to take advantage of these FOC product transitions. Buying your MSDN now could save you money!
If you are a license copy holder of VS.NET 2002 or 2003 then you can STILL qualify for the 2 year MSDN upgrade by purchasing Software Assurance. Do this before the end of October 2005 to get the FOC transition to the new MSDN levels. Not sure how these changes will affect you? Call VBUG to run through your options, we can help you see the light at the end of the tunnel! As well as these informative emails VBUG will also be having an MSDN help desk at the annual winter conference in November (http://www.vbug.net/conference/2005/winter/default.asp). Although the transition will have happened by this date we will be on hand to answer any questions about the new levels etc. VBUG knows MSDN so you don’t’ have to. In fact whatever your developer tool question / requirement may be, contact VBUG for impartial advice and excellent rates. With very best regards
Christian Mitchell
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