For the unfamiliar, Microsoft TechNet is a program aimed at IT professionals. There are assorted benefits, but the main reason to snag it is software. Oh, the glorious software! You can basically download and install just about every Microsoft consumer OS, server OS, and productivity application ever. That means when a new OS version comes out, you can test it without buying it.
Not that TechNet is a free lunch. A standard one-year subscription costs $199, with the most expensive option topping out at $599. The standard subscription is an amazing value by itself. Technically, you’re supposed to stop using the products/product keys when your subscription lapses, but here’s a note from personal experience: They still work.
TechNet is going to be discontinued soon. Existing subscriptions will be honored, and you can sign up if you do so before August 31, 2013. There will be other options after that, but nothing quite as robust (with the possible exception of MSDN). If you’re a heavy user of Microsoft’s offerings, I strongly suggest you snag a subscription while you can.
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