Continue TechNet or create an affordable alternative to MSDN subscriptions

Two weeks ago i posted a blog that Microsoft is going to stop the TechNet Subscription service. What I didn't posted yet is that a petition is available. If you think Microsoft has to continue TechNet or create an affordable alternative to MSDN subscriptions, You can sign this petition to let Microsoft know you're not happy with their decision. Are you happy with it?

 

The petition can be found here!

Reaching 5,000 signatures would be a HUGE for us! There has to be a way we can make it happen. Help to push us over the top. I'd offer to get a mo-hawk except I know we'll reach 5,000 and I'd have to do it!

Update 10-7-2013: I just signed the petition "Create an affordable alternative to MSDN subscriptions comparable to TechNet." on Change.org.

Update 24-7-2013: If you feel compelled to act, please write Microsoft. Start with Steve Ballmer. His email address should be steveb@microsoft.com. Outline in your own words reasons for keeping TechNet open and its importance to you. We need your help gathering email addresses. If you find any please share them. (message from Cody Skidmore, Change.org)

Update 25-7-2013: If you receive a reply from Microsoft please let us know. Email us at SaveTechNet@gmail.com.

Update 2-8-2013: 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.

Microsoft is going to stop the TechNet Subscription service

Yesterday I received the following message from Microsoft.

By developing trends in IT and changes in the dynamics of companies Microsoft has let it be to offer IT professionals Microsoft technologies and services to get to know, evaluate and implement evolve. In recent years, a shift from paid to free evaluations and information. Therefore, Microsoft has decided to stop the TechNet Subscriptions service and sale on August 31, 2013 to terminate.

Subscribers with active accounts continue to have access to the benefits of their program until the end of their current subscription period.

We are committed to customers in this transition phase to help and we continue to focus our attention on providing free access to IT professionals in a wide collection TechNet materials that IT professionals around the world need.

Better free offer for IT professionals including:

• TechNet Evaluation Center: Free evaluation software without disabilities, available for 30-180 days. With valuable evaluation resources and TechNet Virtual Labs, which you can evaluate without having to install locally. Anything software
• Microsoft Virtual Academy: Free site for online learning, with over 200 expert-led technical courses over 15 Microsoft technologies. Every week new courses at.
• TechNet Forums: Free online technical forums where IT professionals can ask questions and receive answers from members of the community quickly.

Note: MSDN Subscriptions provide a pay range that is available to anyone who needs access to evaluation software that goes beyond what the above free materials to offer.

We thank you for your understanding now we more focus on expanding our free offer and invest more in order to respond better to the needs of the community of IT professionals.

- The TechNet Subscription team

Additional Information:
More background information about Microsoft's decision to stop the TechNet Subscription service and the implications for existing subscribers can be found on the FAQ page on cessation of the TechNet Subscription service.

Note for Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCT)
My MCT agreement expires on March 31, 2014. Will I continue to have access to TechNet benefits though that date?
Subscribers with active accounts may continue to access their program benefits until their current subscription period concludes. For MCTs, this date is March 31, 2014.

Personal note: It's very pity that the TechNet Subscription stops. With the software it was ideal to test products and set up lab environments. Hope there will be an aternative offering in the future!