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Microsoft Plans Tougher Action Pack Requirements | |
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| Time: 00:13 EST/05:13 GMT | News Source: WinBeta | Posted By: Kenneth van Surksum | ||
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Microsoft later this year plans to raise the bar on a popular software trial program in response to reports that some partners have been illegally selling its software. The Action Pack allows Microsoft's Registered level partners to obtain up to 10 licenses for Microsoft desktop applications and operating systems, and single server licenses with up to 10 Client Access Licenses (CALs). The Action Pack is intended for internal business testing and evaluation and also includes technical demonstration and marketing materials. However, some Microsoft partners have been breaking the rules by selling the Action Pack software to customers, according to solution providers. | ||
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| #1 By 8556 (12.210.39.82) at 7/31/2007 2:40:04 AM |
| I believe that the number of people selling Action Pack software is terribly small, and not legitimate businesses in the first place. There are going to be some exceptions. The article is incorrect in stating that Action Pack software is intended for internal testing only. That's Tech Net. Action Pack stuff may be used to run a business also, license terms from the MS site include the following wording: "These licenses may be used by Certified and Gold Certified Partners to run their businesses and for internal employee training only." |
| #2 By 2960 (24.254.95.224) at 7/31/2007 7:33:13 AM |
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Action Pack subscriptions are a NIGHTMARE!
This has got to be the most convoluted, complicated, pain in the ass program Microsoft has ever come up with. First off, you can ONLY subscribe through the poorly designed web system. You can NOT do it through a human. I know, I've tried. When we first signed up for this it took THREE MONTHS to get it started due to the poorly designed web system, and the lack of help from humans that actually knew what the hell was going on. Things got even worse during renewal. We finally said to hell with it. It was not worth the time or heartache it was causing. Microsoft needs to bring back the excellent (which is why it was cancelled no doubt - can't have anything excellent at Microsoft) program called Advance Access. I think that's the correct name. This allowed IT professionals that have to service and support Microsoft Software the ability to purchase a copy of Microsoft Software for around $50. This is how I got my Office 2000 Premium and Server 2000 Packages. It allows those that are elbow deep in it every day to use and become experts in the software so they can effectively support their customers. Now days, IT people have to pay FULL PRICE for Microsoft software. It's no wonder that there is a general low-quality feel to technical support these days. Microsoft doesn't even support it's own support people. TL |
| #3 By 25030 (12.159.165.115) at 7/31/2007 9:12:35 AM |
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I've never had a problem with my MAPS subscription. Granted, it did take a little over 3 weeks for my initial shipment, but other than that, no problems. I was even able to change my address with a simple e-mail to the MAPS team.
It is a shame that Microsoft has to add hurdles to the program, however it is a relatively small hurdle. I would prefer something else, like perhaps providing MSFT with a copy of my business license or something, but I'm generally OK with what MSFT is doing and why they are doing it. To be honest, even though I am a MSFT partner, I first learned about the MAPS program through what I would describe as an "enthusiast" website, so clearly there are more than just a few folks who may be taking advantage of the MAPS program for reasons other than its intended purpose. |
| #4 By 23275 (24.179.4.158) at 7/31/2007 9:18:32 AM |
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There is a "Partner Tax" if you will - after MSDN Universal [or its equivalent], Tech Net, and AP fees, Partners dog-food all the platforms, servers, apps and tools, and then we de-bug, test and ultimately, defend them. Then we sell them, as our solutions run on them. Then we get to defend them in the context of protecting them. It's one of those situations where it just, "is."
It's costly and Microsoft comes out for the better. That just "is" too. Partners do have a platform and a tool set and we do make our money servicing the needs of customers of all types that use Microsoft software as the foundation under their information technology requirements. It's not always a smooth ride for partners, and or our customers, but there are benefits that many partners do not always leverage - calling Microsoft "on behalf of customers" is certainly one of them. I recommend partners use this cost free channel to the fullest - call on behalf of a customer and the support costs the partner nothing. Just don't think for a second that being a partner is not hard work - nearly everything that has any value at all is hard work and often, very hard work. It is a case where Microsoft definitely gets its money's worth, and by that I mean that unless it worked for them, they would not do it - a position we have to accept - just as we would opposite any business. I think sometimes people forget that business have no choice but to compete. |
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