Using MSDN licenses on a live network

[Canterwood]

The IT company I work for has recently been bought out by another firm, and I've been asked to begin setting up the new network of workstations and servers for when we become independent.

Now, we're a Microsoft Premier Partner, and as such have MSDN licenses for 100 XP Pro machines, 3 Enterprise Servers and 1 Standard Server, or so I'm led to believe.

I have been told to use these MSDN licenses for our new live network.

The question here is are MSDN licenses allowed to be used in live networks? I always thought that they we're only to be used in a test environment.

I'm just trying to cover my a$$ here, and would like to know if this is legal or not.
Anyone one in the know?
Cheers.

 

[KB]

MSDN licenses are rather expensive.. and usually you get a boat load of software. You never get just a single MSDN license for just one product. For example with my MSDN subscription I have access to every piece of MS software (almost). I can install every piece on one machine for development and/or testing only.

From the EULA:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/subscriptions/downloads/EULA.pdf

2. INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS.
a. General. One user may install and use copies of the software to
design, develop, test and demonstrate your programs. Testing does not
include staging on a server in a production environment, such as loading
content prior to production use.
b. Included Microsoft Programs. These license terms apply to all
Microsoft programs included with the software. If the license terms with
any of those programs give you other rights that do not expressly
conflict with these license terms, you also have those rights.
c. Pre-release Code. The software contains pre-release code. The
license terms with the pre-release code apply to your use of it.
d. Third Party Programs. The software contains third party programs.
The license terms with those programs apply to your use of them.
3. ADDITIONAL LICENSING REQUIREMENTS AND/OR USE RIGHTS.
a. User Testing. Your end users may access the software to perform
acceptance tests on your programs.
b. Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services. Up to 200 anonymous
users at a time may use the Terminal Services feature of the Windows
Server software to access Internet demonstrations of your programs.
Your demonstration must not use production data.
c. Premium Edition.
i. Desktop Applications. For each license you acquire, the licensed
user may also install and use one copy of Microsoft Office
Professional on one device for any purpose. The user may also
install and use one copy of InfoPath, OneNote, Visio Standard,
Project Standard, and FrontPage on one device for general purposes
related to the design, development, testing and demonstration of
your programs. The Desktop Applications section of these product
use rights applies to the licensed user?s use of this software.
ii. Application Center 2000. You may use Application Center 2000
software only to (i) test whether your programs can be deployed
with Application Center 2000; and (ii) build integration points (such
as monitors) and determine any effects of use. You may not do any
other type of testing.

 

[Smilin]

MSDN is NOT for production networks. If you have a separate Development, Test or QA network you can use it for that.

If someone is asking to you run the company on MSDN licenses then they are asking to you break the law. You are very wise to cover your a$$ here. If you care about your company you should step up and tell someone.

 

[nweaver]

MSDN is sold to a SINGLE USER for testing/development.

So if the MSDN is in your name, then you can install all you want, on as many machines as you want. You are the only one who can use them, and it has to be for Testing/Dev work (not production)

This is a HUGE violation

 

[Canterwood]

Just as I thought. Thanks guys.

I have a feeling that those in charge know this but are trying to cut costs using free software.

What are the repercussions of using the software and being caught.
I'd like to have something to give them to chew over tomorrow morning.

 

[bwnv]

Do it, then report them. On Toms hardware there is usually a banner ad in the middle of the page you can click on to report. You (supposedly) can get up to a 200,000.00 reward.

1. install software
2. report company
3. collect reward
4. profit

 

[Canterwood]

Sorry my mistake, we're a Gold Certified partner, not a Premier Partner.

Well, I also have to install the VLK MSDN versions of Office 2003 suite on the workstations, and Exhange 2003 and 2003 Web Edition.
The sheet of paper I've been given with the VLK keys on suggests that the software is for 'internal use, development and testing.'

Its all looking highly illegal, and I don't particularly want to be held responsible.

 

[Smilin]

Originally posted by: Canterwood
Sorry my mistake, we're a Gold Certified partner, not a Premier Partner.

Well, I also have to install the VLK MSDN versions of Office 2003 suite on the workstations, and Exhange 2003 and 2003 Web Edition.
The sheet of paper I've been given with the VLK keys on suggests that the software is for 'internal use, development and testing.'

Its all looking highly illegal, and I don't particularly want to be held responsible.

This FAQ touches on your predicament:
http://siia.net/piracy/faq.asp