One of the major perks of being a Microsoft TechNet subscriber is getting access to a certain number of license keys for the company's software, including the latest versions of Windows and Office. However, it looks like the software-giant has now changed its terms of service to make the package just a little less attractive.
Traditionally, subscribers at the Standard level were given access to ten keys per piece of software, which could be used to activate that program ten times. However, the new rules - according to Microsoft blogger Paul Thurrott - mean that each individual can only get access to two keys, though they can still be used to activate each program ten times. The Pro package has also been adjusted down, now allowing only five licences instead of ten.
On one hand, this is a bit of a blow to current subscribers who thought they were getting an incredible deal by signing up to the £134 package in exchange for ten copies of Windows 7 Ultimate, Office 2010 and more. Worse, those who have already used all of their keys are technically now breaching the terms of the subscription.
At the same time, the TechNet licenses are designed for a single user and can't be transferred, making ten keys a little excessive for one person. Regardless, the standard subscription still represents superb value for money, considering the number of products that you can get licences for.
Microsoft responded to enquiries by commenting that it "is committed to helping prevent software piracy" adding that the new policy "maintains a sufficient number of product keys for the majority of our customers based on usage data, while greatly reducing the overall risk of piracy and counterfeiting".
