MS Empower ISV - any experiences?
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Hi all, I am currently looking for a good (won't say cheap) way to purchase VS 2006 + MSDN subscription. I think the empower ISV program from Microsoft is a good option, but I am not sure what happens when I don't meet the requirements (e. g. won't finish the software in time). I am also wondering if there are any hidden surprises, because I just can't believe it is so cheap (US $375). Does anyone of you guys have any experience with the program? Thanks Stephan
Stephan Hoppe wrote:
e. g. won't finish the software in time
Make a second smaller app available for download on your site (I think it can be freeware, no?) that will be released in time. IIRC it doesn't mention the size of the app that has to be released. This can also serve the purpose of giving away a freebie on your site to help attract people to your real product down the road.
Jeremy Falcon The mind is like a parachute. It works best when it is open. - Colin Angus Mackay (2006-08-18)
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Hi all, I am currently looking for a good (won't say cheap) way to purchase VS 2006 + MSDN subscription. I think the empower ISV program from Microsoft is a good option, but I am not sure what happens when I don't meet the requirements (e. g. won't finish the software in time). I am also wondering if there are any hidden surprises, because I just can't believe it is so cheap (US $375). Does anyone of you guys have any experience with the program? Thanks Stephan
It's the real deal. I was an Empower ISV before coming to work for MS. They also allow you to extend the program to a second year.
Tom Archer (blog) Program Manager - Windows SDK Headers, Libraries & Tools MICROSOFT
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Hi all, I am currently looking for a good (won't say cheap) way to purchase VS 2006 + MSDN subscription. I think the empower ISV program from Microsoft is a good option, but I am not sure what happens when I don't meet the requirements (e. g. won't finish the software in time). I am also wondering if there are any hidden surprises, because I just can't believe it is so cheap (US $375). Does anyone of you guys have any experience with the program? Thanks Stephan
Oooh, this got me drooling! ;P
Wout
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It's the real deal. I was an Empower ISV before coming to work for MS. They also allow you to extend the program to a second year.
Tom Archer (blog) Program Manager - Windows SDK Headers, Libraries & Tools MICROSOFT
Thanks for the information.
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Hi all, I am currently looking for a good (won't say cheap) way to purchase VS 2006 + MSDN subscription. I think the empower ISV program from Microsoft is a good option, but I am not sure what happens when I don't meet the requirements (e. g. won't finish the software in time). I am also wondering if there are any hidden surprises, because I just can't believe it is so cheap (US $375). Does anyone of you guys have any experience with the program? Thanks Stephan
Stephan Hoppe wrote:
I am also wondering if there are any hidden surprises
I looked at the Empower program myself, but I decided against it, because: "All the licenses, in contrary to the normal MSDN subscription, expire when your membership in the Empower for ISV program ends." see: http://software.gurock.com/articles/taking-advantage-of-microsofts-empower-for-isvs-program/[^] and you're required to 1) submit your software for official testing (i.e. pay) 2) and join the MS partner program at the end of the two years. (i.e. pay) See last 2 bullets at: https://empower-isv.one.microsoft.com/isv/programguide/Requirements.aspx[^] I'm not saying it's not a good deal, but there are a few thing to consider before going for it. -- modified at 17:21 Tuesday 22nd August, 2006
Need Icons? Huge list of Stock Icon collections (free and commercial): www.IconsReview.com
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Stephan Hoppe wrote:
I am also wondering if there are any hidden surprises
I looked at the Empower program myself, but I decided against it, because: "All the licenses, in contrary to the normal MSDN subscription, expire when your membership in the Empower for ISV program ends." see: http://software.gurock.com/articles/taking-advantage-of-microsofts-empower-for-isvs-program/[^] and you're required to 1) submit your software for official testing (i.e. pay) 2) and join the MS partner program at the end of the two years. (i.e. pay) See last 2 bullets at: https://empower-isv.one.microsoft.com/isv/programguide/Requirements.aspx[^] I'm not saying it's not a good deal, but there are a few thing to consider before going for it. -- modified at 17:21 Tuesday 22nd August, 2006
Need Icons? Huge list of Stock Icon collections (free and commercial): www.IconsReview.com
So it's not that simple. I'd be interested...
________________________________________________ Tozzi is right: Gaia is getting rid of us. Personal Blog [ITA] - Tech Blog [ENG] Developing ScrewTurn Wiki 1.0 RC, now with AJAX Preview.
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Stephan Hoppe wrote:
I am also wondering if there are any hidden surprises
I looked at the Empower program myself, but I decided against it, because: "All the licenses, in contrary to the normal MSDN subscription, expire when your membership in the Empower for ISV program ends." see: http://software.gurock.com/articles/taking-advantage-of-microsofts-empower-for-isvs-program/[^] and you're required to 1) submit your software for official testing (i.e. pay) 2) and join the MS partner program at the end of the two years. (i.e. pay) See last 2 bullets at: https://empower-isv.one.microsoft.com/isv/programguide/Requirements.aspx[^] I'm not saying it's not a good deal, but there are a few thing to consider before going for it. -- modified at 17:21 Tuesday 22nd August, 2006
Need Icons? Huge list of Stock Icon collections (free and commercial): www.IconsReview.com
Warren D Stevens wrote:
See last 2 bullets at:
It says "make a reasonable commercial effort" to do those things, not that's it's required. It's not like MS will come after him with a pitchfork if that stuff doesn't happen.
Jeremy Falcon The mind is like a parachute. It works best when it is open. - Colin Angus Mackay (2006-08-18)
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Stephan Hoppe wrote:
I am also wondering if there are any hidden surprises
I looked at the Empower program myself, but I decided against it, because: "All the licenses, in contrary to the normal MSDN subscription, expire when your membership in the Empower for ISV program ends." see: http://software.gurock.com/articles/taking-advantage-of-microsofts-empower-for-isvs-program/[^] and you're required to 1) submit your software for official testing (i.e. pay) 2) and join the MS partner program at the end of the two years. (i.e. pay) See last 2 bullets at: https://empower-isv.one.microsoft.com/isv/programguide/Requirements.aspx[^] I'm not saying it's not a good deal, but there are a few thing to consider before going for it. -- modified at 17:21 Tuesday 22nd August, 2006
Need Icons? Huge list of Stock Icon collections (free and commercial): www.IconsReview.com
Hi Warren, That is exactly I was looking for and couldn't find. This way it is not working for me eighter. Thanks Stephan
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Warren D Stevens wrote:
See last 2 bullets at:
It says "make a reasonable commercial effort" to do those things, not that's it's required. It's not like MS will come after him with a pitchfork if that stuff doesn't happen.
Jeremy Falcon The mind is like a parachute. It works best when it is open. - Colin Angus Mackay (2006-08-18)
Jeremy Falcon wrote:
It says "make a reasonable commercial effort" to do those things, not that's it's required. It's not like MS will come after him with a pitchfork if that stuff doesn't happen.
Probably no pitchforks, but if you want to keep using the software after two years, then I'd say go for a regular MSDN subscription. And then it's all legit (which is a better way to start a business anyway) :)
Need Icons? Huge list of Stock Icon collections (free and commercial): www.IconsReview.com
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Hi all, I am currently looking for a good (won't say cheap) way to purchase VS 2006 + MSDN subscription. I think the empower ISV program from Microsoft is a good option, but I am not sure what happens when I don't meet the requirements (e. g. won't finish the software in time). I am also wondering if there are any hidden surprises, because I just can't believe it is so cheap (US $375). Does anyone of you guys have any experience with the program? Thanks Stephan
My employer's been through it. Somehow we managed to re-enroll twice, rather than once, for a total of three years. During that time, well, I'd have to say that we didn't really make a concerted effort to get one product up to the standard required. We're trying to transition from being a contractor to being more of an ISV, but the investment to actually be an ISV isn't there, therefore we (the developers) keep being pulled off the nascent products to work on contract work, to keep paying the bills. I can't now remember what we promised to develop. I think it was one of our dead-end proof-of-delivery handheld applications - my boss is continually trying to break into that market - but could have been our application server, which I'm responsible for. Looking at the 'Certified for Windows Server 2003' requirements[^], we're short in several areas. Interestingly a lot of the common questions I see in the forums are explicitly called out as things not to do (e.g. "How do I create an interactive service?") I'll have to get the boss to check the actual license agreement to ensure that we're OK to continue using the software that came with the MSDN subscriptions. One way to tell I suppose is to ask: could someone whose MSDN subscription has lapsed check if they can still log on to the MSDN Subscriptions site and check their product keys? If they can (we can't) that would be an indication that we're not allowed to keep using it.
Stability. What an interesting concept. -- Chris Maunder
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My employer's been through it. Somehow we managed to re-enroll twice, rather than once, for a total of three years. During that time, well, I'd have to say that we didn't really make a concerted effort to get one product up to the standard required. We're trying to transition from being a contractor to being more of an ISV, but the investment to actually be an ISV isn't there, therefore we (the developers) keep being pulled off the nascent products to work on contract work, to keep paying the bills. I can't now remember what we promised to develop. I think it was one of our dead-end proof-of-delivery handheld applications - my boss is continually trying to break into that market - but could have been our application server, which I'm responsible for. Looking at the 'Certified for Windows Server 2003' requirements[^], we're short in several areas. Interestingly a lot of the common questions I see in the forums are explicitly called out as things not to do (e.g. "How do I create an interactive service?") I'll have to get the boss to check the actual license agreement to ensure that we're OK to continue using the software that came with the MSDN subscriptions. One way to tell I suppose is to ask: could someone whose MSDN subscription has lapsed check if they can still log on to the MSDN Subscriptions site and check their product keys? If they can (we can't) that would be an indication that we're not allowed to keep using it.
Stability. What an interesting concept. -- Chris Maunder
If you can't log in, that's a fair indication that you're not allowed to use the programs, I'd have thought.
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ Metal Musings - Rex and my new metal blog
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Jeremy Falcon wrote:
It says "make a reasonable commercial effort" to do those things, not that's it's required. It's not like MS will come after him with a pitchfork if that stuff doesn't happen.
Probably no pitchforks, but if you want to keep using the software after two years, then I'd say go for a regular MSDN subscription. And then it's all legit (which is a better way to start a business anyway) :)
Need Icons? Huge list of Stock Icon collections (free and commercial): www.IconsReview.com
Warren D Stevens wrote:
I'd say go for a regular MSDN subscription. And then it's all legit (which is a better way to start a business anyway)
It's also legal to get the Empower ISV program for two years, and after you have earned some money, go and get the regular MSDN. I am currently a Empower ISV subscriber and I am looking forward to buy MSDN when my two years expire. Why spend the money if you can save it legally?
Luis Alonso Ramos Intelectix Chihuahua, Mexico
Not much here: My CP Blog!
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Hi all, I am currently looking for a good (won't say cheap) way to purchase VS 2006 + MSDN subscription. I think the empower ISV program from Microsoft is a good option, but I am not sure what happens when I don't meet the requirements (e. g. won't finish the software in time). I am also wondering if there are any hidden surprises, because I just can't believe it is so cheap (US $375). Does anyone of you guys have any experience with the program? Thanks Stephan
And also check MS Action Pack. It's a yearly subscription for up to ten licenses for almost everything (to use in your day to day work, that is Office for writing letters, not for testing you app, as the MSDN license). And you can renew it for as many years as you want.
Luis Alonso Ramos Intelectix Chihuahua, Mexico
Not much here: My CP Blog!
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If you can't log in, that's a fair indication that you're not allowed to use the programs, I'd have thought.
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ Metal Musings - Rex and my new metal blog
MSDN Subscriptions licences are normally perpetual, but I don't know if that extends to viewing the product keys you were assigned, or getting product keys for products that are on the discs you received, but which you hadn't got keys for before the subscription expired. I'm very glad I printed a copy of the Product Keys page before our programme membership expired, though.
Stability. What an interesting concept. -- Chris Maunder
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Hi all, I am currently looking for a good (won't say cheap) way to purchase VS 2006 + MSDN subscription. I think the empower ISV program from Microsoft is a good option, but I am not sure what happens when I don't meet the requirements (e. g. won't finish the software in time). I am also wondering if there are any hidden surprises, because I just can't believe it is so cheap (US $375). Does anyone of you guys have any experience with the program? Thanks Stephan
How much is the action pack? I can't actually find a price anywhere on the website.
Brian Van Beek Inside this room, all of my dreams become realities, and some of my realities become dreams. -Willy Wonka Read my Blog, I know you want to... [^]
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How much is the action pack? I can't actually find a price anywhere on the website.
Brian Van Beek Inside this room, all of my dreams become realities, and some of my realities become dreams. -Willy Wonka Read my Blog, I know you want to... [^]
It dependes by country, but in my case (Mexico) it was $150 USD plus $140 shipping and handling... for $300 USD a year, it's a great deal!! :-D And the Empower ISV for me was $560 USD per year.
Luis Alonso Ramos Intelectix Chihuahua, Mexico
Not much here: My CP Blog!
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Warren D Stevens wrote:
I'd say go for a regular MSDN subscription. And then it's all legit (which is a better way to start a business anyway)
It's also legal to get the Empower ISV program for two years, and after you have earned some money, go and get the regular MSDN. I am currently a Empower ISV subscriber and I am looking forward to buy MSDN when my two years expire. Why spend the money if you can save it legally?
Luis Alonso Ramos Intelectix Chihuahua, Mexico
Not much here: My CP Blog!
Luis Alonso Ramos wrote:
I am currently a Empower ISV subscriber and I am looking forward to buy MSDN when my two years expire. Why spend the money if you can save it legally?
Indeed, that is perfectly legit, but there are also other requirements that you've signed up for as an Empower ISV. e.g.... 1) submit your software for official testing (i.e. pay) 2) and join the MS partner program at the end of the two years. (i.e. pay) I'm not trashing the Empower program (I think it's pretty decent all-in-all) but there are a few obligations that come along with it. Warren
Need Icons? Huge list of Stock Icon collections (free and commercial): www.IconsReview.com
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Luis Alonso Ramos wrote:
I am currently a Empower ISV subscriber and I am looking forward to buy MSDN when my two years expire. Why spend the money if you can save it legally?
Indeed, that is perfectly legit, but there are also other requirements that you've signed up for as an Empower ISV. e.g.... 1) submit your software for official testing (i.e. pay) 2) and join the MS partner program at the end of the two years. (i.e. pay) I'm not trashing the Empower program (I think it's pretty decent all-in-all) but there are a few obligations that come along with it. Warren
Need Icons? Huge list of Stock Icon collections (free and commercial): www.IconsReview.com
Warren D Stevens wrote:
there are also other requirements that you've signed up for as an Empower ISV.
The requirement asks you to do what is commercially possible, that is, try to if your business can afford it. If I have the money to do it, I would probably do it. Getting it tested is a good thing, don't you think?
Luis Alonso Ramos Intelectix Chihuahua, Mexico
Not much here: My CP Blog!
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And also check MS Action Pack. It's a yearly subscription for up to ten licenses for almost everything (to use in your day to day work, that is Office for writing letters, not for testing you app, as the MSDN license). And you can renew it for as many years as you want.
Luis Alonso Ramos Intelectix Chihuahua, Mexico
Not much here: My CP Blog!
I'm seriously considering that subscription. In Italy it costs 320 Euros (I have to find out how much the handling fee is). Could you describe which types of licenses come with the subscription? On the website it's not clear... Can I use them for production or only for evaluation? Thank you.
________________________________________________ Tozzi is right: Gaia is getting rid of us. Personal Blog [ITA] - Tech Blog [ENG] Developing ScrewTurn Wiki 1.0 RC, now with AJAX Preview.
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I'm seriously considering that subscription. In Italy it costs 320 Euros (I have to find out how much the handling fee is). Could you describe which types of licenses come with the subscription? On the website it's not clear... Can I use them for production or only for evaluation? Thank you.
________________________________________________ Tozzi is right: Gaia is getting rid of us. Personal Blog [ITA] - Tech Blog [ENG] Developing ScrewTurn Wiki 1.0 RC, now with AJAX Preview.
Disclaimer - I'm in the UK. You can use them for production use. The kit contains 1 licence for most server products with 10 client access licences, and 10 licences for client products. I'm not sure what the situation is with downgrades, whether you are required to run the most recent versions of the software. If you don't renew your Action Pack subscription, your right to use the software ends. Servers (1 licence + 10 CALs): SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition (plus SP1) Microsoft CRM 3.0 Exchange Server 2003 Standard Edition (plus SP2) ISA Server 2004 (plus SP1) Live Communication Server 2005 Office Project Server 2003 Office Sharepoint Portal Server 2003 Virtual Server 2005 R2 Standard Edition (but this is free now anyway) Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition Windows Server 2003 Web Edition Windows Sharepoint Services Standard 2003 Windows Small Business Server 2003 Premium Edition incl SP1 Client (10 licences): Business Contact Manager Update for Outlook 2003 Office FrontPage 2003 InfoPath 2003 Office Professional Edition 2003 Office Project Professional 2003 Visio Professional 2003 OneNote 2003 Microsoft Operations Manager 2005 Workgroup Edition System Center Data Protection Manager 2006 Virtual PC 2004 Visual Basic 2005 Express Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Windows XP Pro SP2 Windows XP Pro x64
Stability. What an interesting concept. -- Chris Maunder