Microsoft is retiring its TechNet subscription service.

New sales were discontinued on the 31st of August last year, but subscribers with active accounts can continue using the resource until their subscription expires.

What’s the TechNet subscription service?

The TechNet subscription service was (or still is, for a lucky few) an online repository of Microsoft software, including operating systems, service packs, server products and Office products.

It was designed for reseller support, so registered companies (like Shack West) could evaluate new products and better help Microsoft customers.

Instead of maintaining TechNet in 2014, Microsoft says it plans to focus on growing its free offerings, including evaluation resources through the TechNet Evaluation Center, expert-led learning through the Microsoft Virtual Academy, and community-moderated technical support through the TechNet Forums.

This decision won’t impact most organisations directly; you’re probably using a variant of Microsoft’s Volume Licensing, maybe even with Software Assurance.

Or you might be a Microsoft Action Pack Solution Provider.

At Shack West we think the existing licence regime is extraordinarily complex, and we’re not alone. This decision by Microsoft will only add to the existing confusion; the TechNet Download Center was always a reliable resource, but it seems now it’s set to be consigned to the Wayback Machine.

Do you need help navigating Microsoft’s labyrinthine licensing options, or downloading product installers? Leave a reply here, or  contact us.