Over 8,000 signatures!

Congratulations everyone! On July 31st we reached 8,000 signatures on the petition and kept going. Thanks for your hard work. We are well on our way to 10,000 and beyond. Please join us and make it happen!

Respectfully,

Cody Skidmore

Salvem o TechNet Subscription

Em 1º de julho de 2013, a Microsoft anunciou que descontinuará o programa de assinaturas do TechNet Subscription.

Esta é uma campanha para pedir respeitosamente que a Microsoft reconsidere essa decisão ou para nos fornecer um programa alternativo para atender às necessidades dos profissionais de TI no mundo inteiro.

Article Title: Nós não desistiremos por nada!

Em 1º de Agosto completaremos quatro semanas de quando nossa campanha começou. Desde 1º de julho, mais de 7.500 pessoas de 92 países se juntaram a nós. Não tenho dúvidas de que chegaremos a 10.000 nas próximas semanas, à medida em que vai se aproximando a data em que a Microsoft começará a remover os assinantes do TechNet. Há quatro questões que devemos abordar:

Uma é as ofertas livres da Microsoft como um substituto para o TechNet. Sendo sincero, como muitos de vocês, eu já utilizei o centro de avaliação gratuita da Microsoft. O centro de avaliações gratuitas da Microsoft não têm qualquer correlação com o TechNet. A lista de avaliações não inclui quaisquer produtos legados que sempre foi presente no TechNet. No centro de avaliações da Microsoft, somente o Windows 8 Enterprise está disponível. Isto pode sugerir que, no futuro, o Office Professional 2013 seja substituído pelo Office 365.

Este é um indício de que a Microsoft parece estar destinada a remover os treinamentos de todos os profissionais de TI dos seus produtos legados e convencê-los de utilizar as versões que a Microsoft pretende. O período de avaliação de 30 a 180 dias ainda é insuficiente, pois os testes são freqüentemente prolongados, reconfigurados e intermitentes. O que eu vi não altera a minha opinião. Estas avaliações não serão suficientes como um substituto para TechNet.

Outro problema é o custo do TechNet se comparado ao MSDN. Existe uma grande diferença comparando as versões de assinaturas. Se baseando no TechNet Pro, a diferença é de U$ 350. Além disso, a variedade de produtos disponíveis através da TechNet Pro é amplo e inclui a maioria dos softwares legados. Já o MSDN Subscription só é comparável ao Technet na versão Visual Studio Premium with MSDN, a um custo de U$ 6,120 , que é completamente inviável para a maioria de nós.

A pirataria utilizando como fonte as licenças do Technet é um possível motivo para o fechamento do programa. No entanto, a pirataria de software não é exclusivo para TechNet. A Microsoft combate, com sucesso, a pirataria para os seus produtos comerciais, por isso tem meios para enfrentar a pirataria sem precisar fechar o TechNet. Muitas idéias para o combate à pirataria foram oferecidas por pessoas em nossa comunidade. A Microsoft tem muitas opções para essa questão.

Outra questão é a manipulação do anúncio feito pela Microsoft. O Microsoft TechNet foi abruptamente encerrado em01 de julho chocando até as pessoas que conduzem seus serviços corporativos (um dos únicos pontos positivos em seu relatório financeiro). A Microsoft não teria uma explicação aceitável de sua decisão. Eles sabiam que todos iriam reagir negativamente. A Microsoft queria evitar ficar cara a cara com milhares de furiosos profissionais de TI e, por isso, esperou até depois de sua conferência no TechEd para fazer o anúncio.
As razões da Microsoft para fechar o TechNet são amplamente vistas como razões fracas. Por isso, nós enviamos vários e-mails à Microsoft pedindo uma melhor explicação. A Microsoft respondeu com mensagens padrões, sem nenhum contexto ou explicação lógica. Os e-mails respondidos pela Microsoft são quase idênticos, independentemente das pessoas que enviaram e dos países de origem.

Uma versão:

"Obrigado por entrar em contato com a Microsoft. Sua questão sobre o encerramento do Technet foi escalada para mim pelo Customer and Field Advocacy Team, por <...>.

Nós ouvimos as suas preocupações e frustrações. Em última análise, decidimos retirar as assinaturas do TechNet, porque estamos vendo um aumento na adoção de nossas experiências nas avaliações gratuitas como o Centro de Avaliação TechNet, que cresceu 100% só no ano passado e recebeu um bom feedback da nossa base de usuários.

Em uma pesquisa de 2013, mais de 90% dos nossos clientes foram capazes de completar suas avaliações de servidores através do Centro de Avaliação no prazo de 180 dias.

Nossas equipes estão ativamente ouvindo os nossos assinantes e vai usar o feedback dos clientes à medida que continuamos a investir em recursos livres para profissionais de TI.

Por favor, nos informe se você gostaria de compartilhar comentários adicionais ".

Outra versão:

 

"Obrigado por enviar seus comentários sobre o TechNet.

Como as tendências e a dinâmica dos negócios de TI têm evoluído, a Microsoft decidiu apoiar as ofertas para profissionais de TI que estão à procura de aprender, avaliar e implantar tecnologias e serviços da Microsoft. Nos últimos anos, temos visto uma mudança de uso das experiências de avaliação pagas para recursos que são livres de qualquer pagamento (grátis). Como resultado, a Microsoft decidiu remover o serviço do TechNet Subscription e irá descontinuar as vendas em 31 de agosto de 2013.

A Microsoft vai se concentrar no crescimento e na melhora de nossas ofertas voluntárias e grátis para os profissionais de TI, incluindo recursos de avaliação através do Centro de Avaliações do TechNet, a aprendizagem avançada pelo Virtual Academy da Microsoft ou pelo apoio técnico através dos Fóruns do Technet.

Estamos empenhados em ajudar os clientes nesta fase de transição e continuaremos focando em fornecer aos profissionais de TI, com acesso gratuito, a um amplo conjunto de serviços do TechNet. Por favor, visite http://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions/ para mais informações.

Seu feedback é importante e agradecemos por você gastar o seu tempo para entrar em contato conosco. "

Se a Microsoft tivesse algum argumento válido, eles fariam o pronunciamento em frente ao público e esse assunto estaria encerrado. É evidente que isso não ocorreu e põe em questão o real motivo da Microsoft para fechar TechNet.

Algumas pessoas da comunidade do TechNet sentem que o encerramento do TechNet é uma estratégia da Microsoft para fazer com que os Profissionais de TI passem a utilizar os serviços na nuvem da Microsoft, como o Azure Services. Se isso for verdade, a Microsoft tem uma péssima estratégia. As empresas e agências governamentais, em sua maioria, não irão se mover para o Azure por razões fiduciárias. Uma verificação rápida da adoção do Azure já demonstra isso. Com poucas exceções, as empresas utilizam o Azure principalmente para hospedagem de sites, jogos, ou de marketing. Este não é o núcleo corporativo que a Microsoft quer.

http://www.windowsazure.com/en-us/overview/case-studies/

Reconhecemos que a segurança na nuvem não é melhor ou pior do que o seu sistema hospedado localmente. A Microsoft afirma que suas preocupações de segurança são superestimadas, mas cada entidade é responsável ​​por proteger os seus dados e aplicativos. Eles não podem simplesmente se tornar responsáveis por isso.

Além disso, as despesas com os serviços do Azure parecem muito maior do que os custos de hospedagem de aplicativos e dados localmente. Os dados apresentadores em conferências de tecnologia da Microsoft são criados para iludir as pessoas em favor da utilização do Azure. Você pode encontrar esses comentários em vídeos na internet. Além disso, a Microsoft criou uma tabela de preços para o Azure que é tão complexa que não pode projetar adequadamente o custo para os clientes. Os grandes clientes realmente não estão migrando para o Azure.

A Microsoft quer nos fazer desistir e nos desmoralizar. Eles acreditam que vão manter o fechamento do TechNet. Alguns dizem que estamos remando contra a maré e não conseguiremos mudar essa decisão da Microsoft. A questão é, como é que vamos responder?

Permitiremos ser deixados de lado depois de dedicar a maior parte de nossas carreiras para uma empresa que nos rejeita? Não traímos nossas próprias convicções e as convicções da comunidade que em breve chegará a 10.000 assinaturas, porque estamos diante de uma corporação que esta nos forçando a seguir sua vontade?

"Nós não desistiremos por nada!"

Derrotar Microsoft está dentro de nossas capacidades, mas requer muita paciência. Devemos ser corajosos e absolutamente determinados. Agora nosso movimento entra em uma nova fase. Devemos fazer a Microsoft nos ouvir e a Microsoft nao poderá perder seus clientes e profissionais. Esse é um custo que a Microsoft não pode mensurar. Vamos atingir esse objetivo através de um conjunto de ações.

Primeiro vamos estabelecer uma comunicação confiável em toda a comunidade, isso é urgente. O site Change.org permitiu nos reunir e tornarmos um movimento, mas à medida que continuamos a crescer precisamos de mais do que simples mensagens unidirecionais. O Change.org também tem problemas para entregar e-mails para grupos grandes. Recentemente, o site levou dois dias para que a maioria de vocês para recebessem os e-mails.

Precisamos de uma lista de distribuição de e-mails. Analisamos o Google Groups, phpBB e outras ferramentas, mas não encontramos uma solução. Precisamos ter certeza absoluta que a solução é eficaz antes de pedir a todos para registar o seu endereço de e-mail na ferramenta. Nós só temos uma chance. Se você tiver uma idéia para resolver este problema, por favor nos envie um e-mail para savetechnet@gmail.com.

Nós criamos os seguintes recursos da comunidade para nos ajudar.

• Uma nova conta no Twitter: @ SaveTechNet• Uma página de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaveTechnet• Um blog: http://SaveTechNet.com

Vamos configurar os endereços de e-mail da campanha em breve. Nesse meio tempo, use savetechnet@gmail.com.

Estamos pedindo voluntários para assumir o controle desses recursos. Precisamos de pessoas para gerenciá-los, bem como ajudar a torná-los apresentáveis, pois essas ferramentas são nossas mensagens ao público e a Microsoft. A nossa mensagem se espalhou para 92 países, deste modo a linguagem deve ser considerada. Se você puder ajudar com a tradução, precisamos muito de sua ajuda. Sua assistência em todos os níveis é fundamental para nos manter crescendo. Por favor, faça o que puder.

Em seguida, precisamos nos alinhar com outros grupos da Microsoft. Um desses grupos podem ser investidores da Microsoft. Depois de perder 900 milhões de dólares em investimentos para tablets e em 19 de julho mais 34 milhões de dólares foram perdidos, os investidores estão incomodados. Eles sentem que a alta cúpula da Microsoft não fez nada para resolver os seus problemas, além disso, vários erros da Microsoft indicam que uma mudança de gestão é exrtemamente necessária.

Como mencionado, um dos pontos brilhantes no relatório financeiro da Microsoft era de lucros de serviços empresariais. Os investidores podem encontrar a notícia de que a Microsoft deixou os profissionais de TI (Quem conduz os lucros do setor) muito irritados com os serviços prestados pela companhia. Para alcançar os investidores, devemos penetrar nossa mensagem para o mercado financeiro. Precisamos entrar em contato com jornalistas voltados para estas áreas e dizer-lhes a nossa história. Estou fazendo contato com eles nos Estados Unidos. Eu posso fornecer uma carta para o uso em outros países, mas ela precisa de tradução. Entre em contato conosco se você pode traduzí-lo em seu idioma e ajudar a publicá-la.

Finalmente, eu, pessoalmente, quero expressar o quão feliz é encontrar todos vocês. Eu leio seus comentários diariamente e me esforço muito para responder pessoalmente aos e-mails de todos. Quando a petição começou, eu nunca imaginei em tornar-me conhecido com tantas pessoas incríveis. Muitos de nós não falam a mesma língua e mesmo assim encontramos formar de nos comunicarmos. Estou profundamente honrado por fazer parte de uma comunidade que se estende em torno do nosso planeta e nunca vou conseguir retribuir a gentileza que vocês mostraram.

Respeitosamente

We Hebben Ons Niet Voor Niets Uitgesloofd!

Op 1 augustus zetten we de mijlpaal neer dat de vierde week de verjaardag in ging toen onze campagne begon. Sinds 1 juli, sloten meer dan 7.500 mensen uit 92 landen zich bij ons aan. Ik twijfel geen moment dat we de grens van zullen 10.000 bereiken in de komende weken, zo als we de datum zullen bereiken dat Microsoft begint te snijden in het abonnee bestand van TechNet. Er zijn vier punten waar we aan moeten denken.

Één is: Microsofts gratis aanbod als een onderdeel voor TechNet. In alle eerlijkheid, heb ik - net als velen van jullie - Microsofts gratis evaluatie center geprobeerd. De basis van het gratis aanbod van Microsoft heeft totaal geen correlatie met TechNet hier in. De lijst bevat geen oudere-producten in welke hoedanigheid ook. Wat dat betreft, alleen Windows 8 Enterprise is beschikbaar. Dit kan wijzen op producten zoals Office Pro 2013 gaan afhaken in het voordeel van Office 365 voor in de toekomst.
De 30 tot 180 dagen evaluatie perioden is nog steeds ontoereikend omdat het testen vaak te langdurig is, en overlapt niet, en is intermitterend. Wat ik heb gezien wijzigt niet mijn mening. Deze evaluaties zullen niet volstaan ??als een volwaardige vervanging van TechNet.

Een ander probleem is wat men betaald voor TechNet en wat voor MSDN. Cijfers variëren op basis van abonnement versies. De cijfers die ik gebruik zijn gebaseerd op TechNet Pro die kost € 373,65 Euro. Het aanbod van producten die beschikbaar zijn via TechNet Pro is nogal breed en omvat de meeste 'oudere versies' software. Het enige vergelijkbare MSDN-abonnement is Visual Studio Premium van MSDN tegen een prijs van € 6.551,00 Euro, die onbetaalbaar is voor de meesten onder ons.

Fraude en Vervalsing (piraterij) van TechNet-licenties is een mogelijke reden voor het sluiten van TechNet. Maar piraterij software is niet exclusief voor TechNet. Microsoft heeft met succes piraterij bestrijdt van zijn commerciële producten, dus dat hoeft geen reden te zijn voor het sluiten van TechNet. Veel ideeën voor de bestrijding van piraterij werden aangeboden door aanwezigen binnen onze gemeenschap. Microsoft heeft hier vele mogelijkheden.

Nog een ander probleem is Microsofts manier van de aankondiging. Microsoft heeft TechNet op 1 juli abrupt gesloten, vreemd genoeg met de zeer individuele drijvende winst voor zijn diensten van grote bedrijven (een van de weinige lichtpuntjes van Microsofts financiële verslag).
Microsoft wilde voorkomen oog in oog te staan met duizenden woedende IT-Professionals, dus daarom heeft men gewacht tot na de TechEd conferentie in juni om de aankondiging van sluiten van TechNet te maken.

Microsofts redenen voor het sluiten van TechNet worden alom gezien als zwak. Zodat de gemeenschap Microsoft heeft gemaild met vragen om een ??betere uitleg. Microsoft antwoordde met standaard berichten, maar bood geen context. De e-mails verstuurd naar abonnees in de meeste landen zijn bijna identiek.

Één van de versies:
"Bedankt voor uw contact met Microsoft. Uw probleem met betrekking tot Technet Sluiting is geëscaleerd bij mij aan de 'Customer and Field Advocacy Team', door <...>.

We zijn op de hoogte van uw bezorgdheid en frustraties. Uiteindelijk hebben we besloten om het TechNet-abonnementen te laten sluiten omdat we een verhoogde toename zien van onze gratis evaluatie versies zoals het TechNet Evaluation Center, dat is gegroeid naar 100% in het afgelopen jaar alleen al en kreeg goede terugkoppeling van onze gebruikers.
In een enquête van 2013, meer dan 90% van onze klanten waren in staat om hun "Server Evaluaties" te voltooien door het Evaluation Center binnen de geboden 180 dagen.

Onze teams luisteren actief naar de inbreng van onze abonnees en zal klanten terugkoppeling  gebruiken wanneer we blijven investeren in de gratis middelen voor IT-professionals.
Gelieve dit door te sturen als je deze extra terugkoppeling wilt delen."

Een andere versie:
"Bedankt voor het verzenden van uw terugkoppeling over TechNet.

Als IT trends en zakelijke dynamiek hebben ontwikkeld, zo heeft Microsofts set van aanbod voor IT-professionals die op zoek zijn om te leren, te evalueren en implementeren van Microsoft-technologieën en diensten. In de afgelopen jaren hebben we een verschuiving van gebruik van betaald naar gratis evaluaties ervaringen en middelen waargenomen. Als gevolg hiervan, heeft Microsoft besloten om de TechNet-abonnementen dienst te sluiten en zal de verkoop te staken na 31 augustus 2013.

Microsoft zal zich richten op de groei en het verbeteren van onze gratis
aanbod voor IT-professionals, waaronder evaluatie middelen via de TechNet
Evaluation Center, deskundigen leren via de Microsoft Virtual Academy, en
verkrijgen gemeenschap-gemodereerde technische ondersteuning via de
TechNet Forums.

We zijn toegewijd aan het helpen van klanten via deze overgangsfase en
gericht op het leveren van IT-professionals met gratis toegang tot een
brede set van TechNet middelen die zal gaan blijven. Kunt u terecht op
http://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions/ voor meer informatie.

Uw terugkoppeling is belangrijk en we waarderen het dat U de tijd neemt om
met on contact op te nemen."

Als Microsoft informatie had om hun nieuws goed en grondig te
beargumenteren, dan zou het dat gedaan hebben en haar informatie in volle
glorie naar het publiek te hebben getoond en maakte daarbij de het
beëindigen gegrond. Duidelijk is dat dit niet heeft plaatsgevonden,
waardoor het twijfelachtig wordt wat Microsofts motief is voor het sluiten
van TechNet.

Microsoft wilt en dwingt op: Microsoft is van mening dat we ons zullen
neerleggen bij een ??onvermijdelijke sluiting van TechNet en buigen naar
haar wil. Sommigen zeggen dat we te veel te afwachtende houding aannemen
en wij kunnen niet op tegen de overheersen Microsoft. De vraag is; hoe
gaan we hierop reageren?

Wordt ons moraal ontnomen? Zijn we zo makkelijk 'weg te werpen' nadat de
meesten van ans hun gehele cariëre hebben afhankelijk gemaakt van het
grote machtige bedrijf Microsoft, en kunnen ze onss zo maar ontslaan?
Hebben we onszelf van onze eigen overtuiging veraden van een groep die
makelijk de 10.000 gaat overtreffen.
Omdat we geconfronteerd worden met een bedrijf die 'één-richting' denkt om
ook maar zonder enige scrupules ons dwingt ons in zijn eigen agenda te
zetten.

Het verslaan van Microsoft ligt binnen onze mogelijkheden, maar vergt veel
geduld. We moeten moed verzamelen en absoluut vastbesloten zijn als onze
beweging een nieuwe fase ingaat.
We moeten heel precies zijn en een zo'n hoge prijs op Microsoft inzetten
op slechte pers en boze klanten dat afsluiting van TechNet wordt een blok
aan het been dat het zich niet kan veroorloven.
We moeten dit doel bereiken door middel van een scala aan acties.

Ten Eerste een goede opzet van stabiele betrouwbare communicatie over de
gehele gemeenschap is noodzaak. Door middel van Change.org konden we
samenkomen en uitgegroeien tot een beweging, maar als we blijven groeien
hebben we meer nodig dan te kunnen 'uit zenden', één-richting-berichten
service.
Change.org heeft moeite met het leveren van e-mails naar grotere groepen.
Onlangs duurde het twee dagen voor de meesten van u e-mails ontvingen.

We hebben een e-mail distributielijst nodig voor een minimum van 10.000
addressen. We keken naar Google Groups, phpBB, en andere instrumenten,
maar we zijn niet met een oplossing gekomen.

We moeten er helemaal zeker an zijn dat de oplossing effectief is voordat
we een ??ieder om zijn of haar e-mailadres te registreren. We krijgen maar
één kans. Als je een idee hebt voor het grondig oplossen van dit probleem,
dan kunt u e-mailen naar: savetechnet@gmail.com.

We hebben de volgende bronnen, voor deze gemeenschap (online groep) om ons zelf te helpen:
• Een nieuwe Twitter-account: @SaveTechNet
• Een Facebook-pagina: https://www.facebook.com/SaveTechnet
• Een blog: http://SaveTechNet.com

We zullen binnenkort onze campagne emailadressen opstellen,
gebruik in de tussentijd: savetechnet@gmail.com.

We vragen om vrijwilligers om de controle over bovenstaande middelen te
administreren. We hebben individuen nodig om die bovenstaande middelen te
beheren en te helpen ze toonbaar te maken voor het  leveren van onze
boodschap aan het publiek en aan Microsoft. Onze boodschap te helpen te
verspreiden naar 92 landen, zodat de taal moet worden beschouwd. Als u
kunt helpen met vertalen, wij enorm uw hulp nodig. Uw hulp op alle niveaus
is essentieel om ons groeiende te houden. Doe wat je kunt.

Vervolgens moeten we onszelf gaan af zien te stemmen met andere groepen
die op dit moment ook boos op Microsoft. Een dergelijke groep zou kunnen
zijn: Microsoft investeerders.
Na een 900 miljoen USDollar te hebben afgeschreven voor Surface Tabletten
en 19 juli van 34 miljard USDollar van diverse uitverkoen, zijn
investeerders zeer geïrriteerd. Ze vinden dat Microsofts reorganisatie
niets heeft gedaan om zijn problemen aan te pakken, en er zijn meerdere
blunders van Microsoft's die moeten leiden tot een verandering in het
management.

Zoals gezegd, een van de lichtpuntjes op financieel verslag van Microsoft,
was de winst uit ondernemende diensten. Beleggers kunnen het nieuws dat
Microsoft, vreemd genoeg het erg gedreven individenten winsten voor die
diensten ergerlijk vinden. Om hen te bereiken moeten we zowel de zakelijke
en financiële nieuws versnelt in de markt brengen. We moeten contact
hebben met journalisten die gericht zijn op deze gebieden en ons verhaal
vertellen.

Ik op dit moment contact met die Journalisten in de Verenigde Staten. Ik
kan u voorzien van een brief voor gebruik in andere landen, maar het moet
vertaald worden.
Neem dan contact met ons op als je het kunt vertalen in uw taal waarin u
het meest spreekt en help ons dit te publiceren.

Tot slot, wil ik persoonlijk wil uitdrukken hoe ongelooflijk fijn het is
om jullie allemaal te ontmoeten. Ik lees jullie reacties per dag en
probeer heel hard om een ieder persoonlijk te beantwoorden op jullie
e-mails. Toen de petitie begon, heb ik nooit in mijn stoutste droom
gedacht dat ik kennismaking zou hebben gekregen met zoveel ongelooflijke
fijne en hartelijke mensen. Velen van ons hebben niet dezelfde taal maar
we vonden ingenieuze manieren om te communiceren. Ik ben diep geroerd om
een deel van een gemeenschap die zich uitstrekt rond onze aarde en zal
nooit jullie vriendelijkheid terug kunnen betalen die jullie hebben
getoond.

Bedankt voor het lezen van gedachten,
Groeten en respect van....

New Email Discussion List

We have a new email discussion list thanks to Rod Trent and Susan Bradley. I can't express enough gratitude for what they've done. The discussion list opens up communication so everyone can help guide the direction of our effort to save TechNet. You can subscribe to the list or its RSS feed by visiting http://bit.ly/1cbcJro.

Please join the list. We need your help!

Respectfully,

Cody Skidmore

Train Signal Supports the Campaign

Yesterday saw the publication of more support for the Save TechNet campaign, this time from well respected training firm Train Signal. In their piece, entitled Microsoft Certified Trainer Campaigns to Save TechNet, they describe more actions of those keen on reversing Microsoft's absurd decision to axe TechNet. So please go read their piece and sign the petition!

The Campaign Ventures onto SlashDot

We've submitted details of the campaign over to Slashdot. Please feel free to vote the story up. It would be fabulous to get this onto the front page of Slashdot as that would magnify the impact. Go Here and vote: http://slashdot.org/submission/2839529/save-TechNet
 

We didn’t Get Dressed Up For Nothing!

August 1^st marks the four week anniversary of when our campaign began. Since July 1^st, more than 7,500 individuals from 92 countries joined us. I have no doubt we will reach 10,000 in the coming weeks as we approach the date Microsoft begins cutting subscribers off from TechNet. There are four issues before us.

One is Microsoft’s free offerings as a substitute for TechNet. In the interest of fairness, like many of you I explored Microsoft’s free evaluation center. Microsoft’s free offerings have no correlation to TechNet beyond basics. The list doesn’t include any legacy products what so ever. For that matter, only Windows 8 Enterprise is available. This may hint at products such as Office Pro 2013 dropping off in favor of Office 365 in the future.

The 30 – 180 day evaluation period is still inadequate since testing is frequently prolonged, overlapping, and intermittent. What I’ve seen doesn’t alter my opinion. These evaluations will not suffice as a substitute for TechNet.

Another issue is the cost of TechNet vs. MSDN. Figures vary based on subscription versions. The figures I use are based on TechNet Pro which costs $350 USD. The array of products available through TechNet Pro is broad and includes most legacy software. The only comparable MSDN subscription is Visual Studio Premium with MSDN at a cost of $6,120 USD which is unattainable for most of us.

Pirating TechNet licenses is a possible reason for closing TechNet. However pirating software isn’t exclusive to TechNet. Microsoft successfully combats pirating of its commercial products, so it has means to address pirating without closing TechNet. Many ideas for combating piracy were offered by individuals in our community. Microsoft has many options here.

Yet another issue is Microsoft’s handling of the announcement. Microsoft abruptly closed TechNet on July 1^st alienated the very individuals driving profits for its enterprise services (one of the only bright spots on its financial report). Microsoft couldn’t sufficiently explain its decision. It knew in advance how everyone would react. Microsoft wanted to avoid coming face to face with thousands of furious IT engineers, so it waited until after its TechEd conference in June to make the announcement.

Microsoft’s reasons for closing TechNet are widely viewed as weak. So the community emailed Microsoft asking for a better explanation. Microsoft replied with scripted messages but offered no context. The emails sent to subscribers in most countries are nearly identical.

One version:

“Thank you for contacting Microsoft. Your issue regarding Technet Retirement has been escalated to me at the Customer and Field Advocacy Team, by <…>.

We hear your concerns and frustrations. Ultimately, we decided to retire the TechNet Subscriptions because we’re seeing increased adoption of our free evaluation experiences like the TechNet Evaluation Center, which has grown 100% in the past year alone and received good feedback from our user base.

In a 2013 survey, more than 90% of our customers were able to complete their server evaluations through the Evaluation Center within 180 days.

Our teams are actively listening to input from our subscribers and will use customer feedback as we continue to invest in free resources for IT professionals.

Please reach out if you’d like to share additional feedback.”

Another version:

“Thank you for submitting your feedback regarding TechNet.

As IT trends and business dynamics have evolved, so has Microsoft’s set of offerings for IT professionals who are looking to learn, evaluate and deploy Microsoft technologies and services. In recent years, we have seen a usage shift from paid to free evaluation experiences and resources. As a result, Microsoft has decided to retire the TechNet Subscriptions service and will discontinue sales on August 31, 2013.

Microsoft will focus on growing and improving our free offerings for IT professionals, 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.

We are committed to helping customers through this transition phase and will remain focused on providing IT professionals with free access to a broad set of TechNet assets. Please visit http://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions/ for more information.

Your feedback is important and we appreciate you taking the time to contact us.”

If Microsoft had data backing it argument, it would roll out its numbers in full view of the public there-by ending the dispute. Clearly this hasn’t occurred which calls into question Microsoft’s motive for closing TechNet.

Microsoft wants and give up. It believes we will resign ourselves to the inevitable closing of TechNet and bend to its will. Some say we are charging at windmills and cannot overpower Microsoft. The question is how do we respond?

Do we become demoralized? Do we allow ourselves to be tossed aside after dedicating most of our careers to a company that so easily dismisses us? Do we betray our own convictions and community that will soon reach 10,000 because we’re facing a single-minded corporation with no compunctions about forcing us into its own agenda?

“We didn’t get dressed up for nothing!”

Defeating Microsoft is within our ability but requires great patience. We must be courageous and absolutely determined as our movement enters a new phase. We must exact such a high price on Microsoft in bad press and angry customers that closing TechNet becomes a liability it cannot afford. We will achieve this goal through an array of actions.

First establishing reliable communication across the community is urgent. Please join to the email discussion list below. This opens up communication so everyone can take a more active role guiding the movement. It also allows us to rapidly respond to events related to TechNet closing.

We created the following community resources to help us.

• A new Twitter account: @SaveTechNet
• A Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SaveTechnet
• A blog: http://SaveTechNet.com
• An email discussion list: http://myitforum.com/myitforumwp/services/email-lists-2/#SaveTechNet

We will setup campaign email addresses soon. In the meantime, use savetechnet@gmail.com.

We’re asking for volunteers to take control of these resources. We need individuals to manage them as well as help make them presentable so they’re effective in delivering our message to the public and Microsoft. Our message spread to 92 countries so language must be considered. If you can help with translating, we greatly need your help. Your assistance at all levels is critical to keep us growing. Please do what you can.

Next we need to align ourselves with other groups angry at Microsoft. One such group might be Microsoft’s investors. After a $900 million write down for tablets and July 19th’s $34 billion sell-off, investors are annoyed. They feel Microsoft’s reorganization did nothing to address its problems, and Microsoft’s multiple blunders indicate a change in management is required.

As mentioned, one of the bright spots on Microsoft’s financial report was profits from enterprise services. Investors may find the news that Microsoft alienated the very individuals driving profits for those services infuriating. To reach them we must penetrate both business and financial market news. We need to contact journalists focused on these areas and tell them our story. I’m making contact with them in the United States. I can provide a letter for use in other countries but it needs translating. Please contact us if you can translate it into your language and help publish it.

Finally, I personally want to express how fortunate it is to meet all of you. I read your comments daily and try very hard to personally reply to your emails. When the petition started, I never in my wildest dream thought I’d become acquainted with so many incredible people. Many of us don’t speak the same language yet we found ingenious ways to communicate. I am profoundly honored to be part of a community that stretches around our planet and will never repay the kindness you’ve shown.

Respectfully,

Cody Skidmore
Twitter: @CodySkidmore
HashTag: #TechNet

Ed Bott's Coverage of The Campaign

Ed Bott, well respected journalist with Ziff Davis, penned a nice peice last week, entitled "Enterprise fanboys push back on TechNet subscription shutdown." He points out that, at the time of writing, over 5000 people had signed the petition to Save Technet - although by now over 7500 folks have signed!.

Ed argues that the move may not have been the most sensible and he agrees with me that the timing and method sure was cynical. He concludes: "It’s hard to believe that [Microsoft] really wants to kick away its “enterprise fanboys” with an ill-timed, tone-deaf move like this."

So far, at least, that is precisely what Microsoft appear to be doing.

Mary Jo Foley mentions us!

Mary Jo Foley is a great journalist and for the past 20 years or more has followed and commented on all things Microsoft, in her blog whose title is: 'All About Microsoft'. Her latest piece, which is a blast form the past, covers NT's 20th birthday with the title of: "Microsoft's Windows NT turns 20".


And at the end of this article, she makes mention of the campaign to save Technet.

Thanks Mary Jo! And thanks for her readers who have taken the time to visit here. See the panel on the right for the URL of the petition. PLEASE sign it, and please add comments here. And if you are passionate about the subject, we can give you authoring rights on this blog for you to have your say.

The Importance of TechNet

The removal of the TechNet subscription facility has angered and upset a lot of IT Professionals who traditionally have been amongst Microsoft's more ardent supporters.  Jim Jones, a contributor for 4sysops.com, published an excellent article delineating the importance of TechNet. It describes possible compromises and strikes at the heart of what many in the community fervently believe. The article can be found here.http://bit.ly/1bNu7C9

If feels like Microsoft only seems to believe that Chief Information Officers (CIOs) matter. It seems to many of the community that Microsoft forget that CIOs typically make decisions based on consensus with their staff and colleagues. In other words, the very people Microsoft have angered over this move.

One of the few bright spots on Microsoft’s recent financial disclosure was enterprise services, where things continue to be on the up. These services are driven by Microsoft’s relationship with these same individuals that benefit most from TechNet.  Between that and Friday’s massive sell-off wiping out $34 billion in market value (the largest in 13 years), the thought of Microsoft alienating its most ardent supporters is ludicrous.

Save TechNet Petition Exceeds 7000 Sgnatures!

The petition to save TechNet Subscriptions, published over on Change.Org, has now exceeded 7000 signatures. That's a lot of people and a whole lot of IT Pros that are disappointed with the decision to cancel the TechNet subscription service. 

So if you are an IT Pro, and want to help, please go to: http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/continue-technet-or-create-an-affordable-alternative-to-msdn and sign the petition.

Paul Thurrot Speaks on the Subject

Paul Thurrott, a well known Microsoft tech blogger, has added his voice to discussion in an article on his SuperSite for Windows. Like most folks, Paul believes Microsoft's excuses here (it has seen a shift from paid to free evaluation experiences and resources) is just BS. Sadly, that's the excuse MS are using, despite it being more likely that piracy is the real reason.

If you care about this issue, please sign the petition over at Change.org (the url is: https://www.change.org/petitions/continue-technet-or-create-an-affordable-alternative-to-msdn).

I hope someone (some ones!) at Microsoft read the petition and more imprtantly, read the comments. There area  lot of people who are really unhappy over this.

And also, if you have the time, please email SteveB@Microsoft.Com and ask him to reconsider.

Can the IT Community Save Technet?

This question is asked over on the Windows IT Pro site. See http://windowsitpro.com/windows/can-it-community-save-technet for their article on this subject, written by the most excellent Rod Trent. Sadly, he's not too optimistic.

Save Technet Subscription Blog starts up!

Welcome to this blog, whose purpose is to help save Microsoft's TechNet Subscription service.

There will be more posts as the campaign takes off.

Please feel free to comment on the posts here and if you care enough to help out - let us know.