The Old Joel on Software Forum: Part 4 (of 5)

Empower question

Good day to you all.

Regarding the empower program, it sounds great but I have a couple of questions-

-Is the software time limited -- i.e. will 12 months from the signup date the copy of VS.NET cease functioning? This is from a technical perspective, regardless of the legality of continuing to run the software. I hate lame ass technical limits, and I don't want any nonsense if I sign-up for the full fledged MSDN at the end but there's a delay getting it, or if I haven't installed over the Empower version.

-From a legal perspective, what are your rights to run the software after the program ends if you haven't yet signed up for the full fledged program? I have seen varying answers, including one message that claims that one has indefinite rights to the VS.NET, but time limited rights to the server applications, etc.

-Any ETA on Whidbey? Obviously I'd like maximum bang for the buck, so if it fell within the 12 month period that would be great.

Thanks!

.
Monday, March 8, 2004

"Is the software time limited -- i.e. will 12 months from the signup date the copy of VS.NET cease functioning?"

No.

"From a legal perspective, what are your rights to run the software after the program ends if you haven't yet signed up for the full fledged program?"

Your legal rights to run the software end after the 12 months. This is different from the typical MSDN license (which is perpetual, even after the subscription expires).

"Any ETA on Whidbey?"

No guarantees, but I personally expect Whidbey and Yukon around the end of the year.

Brad Wilson (dotnetguy.techieswithcats.com)
Monday, March 8, 2004

I notice in the agreement that it says that the non-MSDN subscription software indeed must be relinquished after 12 months, but then it specifically separates the licensing of the MSDN Universal subscription, stating that it follows the standard licensing for that program. If that is the case, then would that not be indefinite?

.
Monday, March 8, 2004

You might be right. I might've read it incorrectly.

Brad Wilson (dotnetguy.techieswithcats.com)
Monday, March 8, 2004

The licence specifically compels you to remove the unlicenced software at the end of the subscription period.

Simon Lucy
Tuesday, March 9, 2004

That's fine, but a pat of the benefits is an MSDN Universal, and the going belief seems to be that the usage of software in the MSDN program is indefinite, thus it would remain licensed software. All of the other stuff, such as the 5 server licenses, etc, expire as expected, but it's the MSDN that I'm curious about.

.
Tuesday, March 9, 2004