[AccessD] AHOO!!! Got my action pack

Brett,

I didn't mean to imply any wrongdoing.  As for the "distinguished expert",
the author's comments, he assures us, came after lengthy discussions with an
M$ "licensing guru".  By all accounts, (his, his account of M$'s response,
and your experience,) there is nothing "wrong" with this approach.  I
understand your comment that M$, and not the vendor, is doing the actual
activation.  But, in the retail version you deal directly with M$, and it
seems that in this option the vendor initiates the activation process on
your behalf.  My underlying question still remains...just as this author
asked, "Is there a problem having the software activated by the vendor as
long as you get the media and updates?"  So far, by all accounts, it seems
the answer is no...


Mark




-----Original Message-----
From: Brett Barabash [mailto:BBarabash at tappeconstruction.com] 
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2004 9:41 AM
To: Access Developers discussion and problem solving
Subject: RE: [AccessD] AHOO!!! Got my action pack


Not to dispute with a distinguished expert like "TallPaulInJax", but...

As far as I can tell, there is no such thing as an OEM MSDN subscription
(at least according to Microsoft's website):
http://msdn.microsoft.com/subscriptions/licensing/default.aspx

I am fairly certain that I purchased a legitimate single user MSDN
Universal subscription.  Microsoft, not the vendor, activated the
software and shipped me the welcome kit from their fufillment center.
Each month, my updates are shipped from MS as well.  This is not an
extra set of NFR disks that a vendor had on hand, since nothing was sent
to me from Software More.  They take the order, collect the cash, and
then MS handles it from there.  If there was anything fraudulent going
on, Microsoft would have to be in on it.


-----Original Message-----
From: accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
[mailto:accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Mitsules,
Mark S. (Newport News)
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2004 6:40 AM
To: 'Access Developers discussion and problem solving'
Subject: RE: [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
*****************************************



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