Microsoft to shut down TechNet subscription service

[Corrine]

via Ed Bott at ZDNet: Microsoft to shut down TechNet subscription service

This is going to come to a shock to many people who have selected TechNet over the more expensive MSDN subscription. I still have several collections of CD's from before TechNet was changed to online only.

 

[Trouble]

Yep.... call me shocked.
I've been a TechNet subscriber since 1999. Even after retiring in 2005 I maintained my TechNet subscription out of my own pocket.
The primary thing that I will likely miss the most is the early access to RTMs.
Anyway, looks like I'm good until next June. Funny how the solicitation call from the lady at Microsoft confirming my intention or Renewing my subscription didn't mention anything about... "Oh, and yes, we intend to completely drop this program at the end of next month".
Not that, that would have made any difference with my renewal.

 

[LilBambi]

That is a sad turn of events. TechNet is ... errr, was awesome.

Will all the up to the time it goes away TechNet stuff go away online?

 

[Trouble]

Here is an MS link that may help further explain the situation.
TechNet Subscriptions and Licensing

 

[LilBambi]

OK, I am thinking about all the results form search engine requests about Windows that end up at technet resources like this one:

Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification

 

[Corrine]

No, LilBambi, those resources aren't going away. It is only the subscription service that is being eliminated. MaryJo's article from 2010 which covers the first license cutback describes what is included in a TechNet subscription: Microsoft quietly cuts number of product keys available to TechNet subscribers | ZDNet