[AccessD] AHOO!!! Got my action pack

I read this review for the MSDN Universal 7.0 Subscription on
PriceGrabber.com.  After reading the review, do any of you have any comments
regarding the third option listed below.  This seems to be the option that
is offered at the site Brett suggested below.  To reiterate just one of the
concerns the reviewer mentioned..."Is there a downside..."?

Mark


*****************************************
Reviewed by: TallPaulInJax, from FL Date reviewed: 16-Apr-04 
Summary: 
I drove down the rating so you would be more inclined to read this review
because it contains very important info. I've been TAKEN for $2000 worth of
Office software before and I don't want the same to happen to you. 

Caveat emptor (aka, beware the buyer): Ok, here is what I think is going on.
There are different versions of this software out. (1) Part# 534-02125: this
SHOULD BE (doesn't mean it is from some vendors) the retail version which is
a 1 YEAR subscription in YOUR name registed by YOU with Microsoft including
a 25 digit activation code (newer longer length code). Should be around
$2,400. Why anyone would buy this license is beyond me. Keep reading. (2)
Part# 534-02031: this is an Open License Program (OLP) version which is a 2
year subscription in YOUR name BUT... you have to qualify for open license,
usually a 5 license purchase. The simplest way to do this is to buy 4 cheap
OLP licenses (ie, four Encarta licenses at $25 apiece) and one $$$$ license
(ie, one MSDN Universal OLP License). Perfectly legal and even recommended
by Microsoft. Should be around $2800 to $2900. (3) There is an OEM version.
Don't know the part# but I have seen Microsoft use the same part# for Retail
and OEM. Unbelievable. I believe that's what most of these cheaper licenses
are. The weird thing about some of these vendors is that the software will
be activated/registered under THEIR name. Weirder yet, talking with
Microsoft about this still has me baffled because Microsoft SAID (I don't
believe them) they will activate this license. The only catch on OEM
purchases is you have to buy a piece of hardware along with the software.
The grey area? In past Microsoft OEM licensing that hardware can be as low
priced as a $4 CD audio cable! Some vendors say they won't play this game
with OEM licensing because Microsoft could come back and revoke your license
unless you're hardware purchase is substantial. What is substantial? A
complete PC? A hard drive? A room full of equipment? Is it worth the risk?
Is there a problem having the software activated by the vendor as long as
you get the media and updates? Is there a downside to buying this license if
you buy "substantial" hardware? I don't know the answer to those questions.
Perhaps someone could post a response to this message. (4) There are
Academic licenses 1 Year licenses which retail around $979. That's all I
know about them. (5) Last but not least (and probably not the last, just the
last I know about) there are NFR's (Not For Resale) versions given by
Microsoft and distributors to let resellers et cetera try out software but
they AREN'T SUPPOSED TO RESELL IT. Hey, I hope this helps you figure things
out. If it does, send a prayer my way... I could use it. But if it doesn't,
join the rest of the club! I spent 3 hours with Microsoft's lead licensing
guru one day two years ago and hung up 10X more confused than when I
called... 

Paul
*****************************************


-----Original Message-----
From: Brett Barabash [mailto:BBarabash at tappeconstruction.com] 
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2004 11:03 AM
To: Access Developers discussion and problem solving
Subject: RE: [AccessD] AHOO!!! Got my action pack


Jim,
I talked to your contact in April before purchasing our subscriptions,
and was quoted a price of $1675 each.  He pointed out the Microsoft has
changed their distribution strategy and thus has gained more control
over prices being charged by independent vendors :-(

I shopped around and ended up purchasing from these guys:
http://www.softwaremore-usa.com/msun70.html

FULL MSDN Universal 7.0 subscription for $1050.00.  Not an academic
edition, and the disks shipped immediately from MS headquarters.  I
would highly recommend this vendor.

(Back when I purchased mine, MS also had a $300.00 rebate for purchasing
this software on DVD.  Unfortunately it is no more...)

Bobby,
Don't waste your time on an Academic subscription.  The licensing
agreements normally prohibit using it to develop software for clients.

All,
Even though the MSDN subscription (and updates) lasts for only a year,
the software has a perpetual license:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/subscriptions/faq/default.aspx#licensing

However, there are certain limitations to the use of the software (e.g.
you can use SQL Server for development, but you can't run your company's
DB server with it!)

<snip>