Q: This sounds to good to be true. How can Microsoft Afford to do this?
A: It is not to good to be true. Microsoft understands that the individuals who work with and learn our products will refer them to the decision makers who end up buying our products. It makes great financial sense for Microsoft to put its best software products into the hands of the individuals who will learn their benefits and the value of their solutions.
Q: What products are included in the TechNet Plus Direct Subscription?
A: It is actually easier to describe what is not included. There are no games, and no Visual Studio Tools (MSDN has their own subscription for them) outside of those 2 components just about everything else is included. Server, Desktop, Office, Exchange, SQL, Sharepoint, etc.
Q: Can I run these in my business?
A: No. The software in the TechNet Plus Direct Subscription is designed for evaluation use only. Meaning you can use it in testing, at home, in non production environments.
Q: What is the difference between the TechNet Plus Direct Subscription and the Action Pack Subscription?
A: The action pack subscription is designed for use in the small business environment. It comes with a license for a single server and multiple client licenses. It does not include the variety of software available in the TechNet Plus subscription. TechNet Plus is designed to allow for the unfettered evaluation of Microsoft Software.