1. MSDN Platforms
Cost-effective access to Microsoft software and services for Dev/Test
In a pre-production or dev/test environment, each user that accesses the environment is required to be properly licensed for the software they use. The licensing requirement is often expensive and unwieldy to manage for dev/test purposes alone. MSDN Platforms is a new subscription from Microsoft that provides IT departments with a cost-effective way to license Microsoft software for individuals involved in the development and test process, but who do not require the full suite of Visual Studio development tools.
Each individual with an MSDN Platforms subscription gains access to the software, services and resources they need to build and support high-quality applications for the Web, Cloud, and Windows without purchasing incremental software licenses. MSDN Platforms also provides support and training resources that can help clear development roadblocks and reduce IT training costs.
Each MSDN Platforms subscription provides the following:
Microsoft Software for Dev/Test Purposes
Microsoft Software and Services for Production Use
Support and training benefits
MSDN Platforms Benefits
Optimized ROI
Efficient Development Process
Enhanced Peace of Mind
MSDN Platforms helps to optimize your ROI of certain individuals involved in the development process by providing an extremely cost-effective way to buy software, services, training and resources for your development and test needs.
MSDN Platforms helps enhance productivity via easy access to comprehensive resources like professional and community support and e-learning, in addition to over 15,000 legacy and software titles.
MSDN Platforms enables you to empower your organization with the latest software, services, and support, to keep your organization on the forefront of innovation.
Customer Usage Scenarios
The MSDN Platforms subscription was developed specifically for customers that are part of the development process and need access to Microsoft software and services, but don’t use Microsoft development tools based on their role.
IT Operations staff can take advantage of cost-effective, comprehensive access to Microsoft software and services to set up development and test environments for their IT organization.
Cross-platform developers get access to Microsoft software and services to build applications for the Web, Cloud, and Windows.

2. MSDN Platforms Features
Software for Production Use
Team Foundation Server and one CAL
Team Foundation Service
Software for Dev/ Test
Windows, Windows Server
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SharePoint Server
Microsoft Exchange Server
Microsoft Dynamics
All other servers
Windows Embedded operating systems
Support and Training Benefits
Two Technical Support Incidents
Two Microsoft E-Learning course collections
Priority support in MSDN Forums
Priority support in TechNet Forums
Online Concierge
MSDN Magazine
Pricing and Licensing
MSDN Platform subscriptions are licensed on a per user basis such that each individual that accesses the software provided through MSDN Platforms must have a subscription.
MSDN Platforms is available through Microsoft Volume Licensing. For pricing and purchase details customers should contact their Microsoft account representative, Microsoft Partner or local reseller.
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This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft makes no warranties, expressed or implied, in this summary. Products, versions, and availability are subject to change.