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The MSDN-AA Program at Yale

Frequently Asked Questions

(See also Microsoft's FAQ on the MSDNAA Program, located at  http://www.msdnaa.com/faq.aspx )

1. What software is available under this program?

   A number of Microsoft operating systems, server platforms and development tools are available through the MSDN-AA program.

   The complete list of covered products is available on Microsoft's MSDNAA home site.  The most frequently requested products are available for download from this page.

   To obtain software that is part of the program but not on the download page,  send e-mail to msdn-aa@yale.edu.

2. Isn't there a "site license" for Microsoft software at Yale already?

   While there is no Yale-wide license for Microsoft software, several departments have joined a " Campus Agreement" program which covers most popular Microsoft software.   Faculty and staff members should check with your department's IT staff to find out if your department is part of the agreement.

   For more information about the campus agreement program, please email software@yale.edu .

3. Why isn't Microsoft Office (or some other package) available from MSDN-AA?

   The software available through the program is determined entirely by Microsoft.  In general, the MSDN-AA program is focused on development tools and server platforms and so does not include commonly used productivity software.

   Microsoft Office and most other Microsoft software may also be purchased at a substantial discount to members of the Yale community by using the Yale e-portal (www.yale.edu/eportal ).

4. Does this mean I can buy a computer with no operating system and use this program to get a free copy of the OS?

   In all likelihood, no.  Most manufacturers will not sell you a machine without an OS and this program is not designed to circumvent that fact.

5. Can students get the software?

   Students are one of the biggest beneficiaries of this program.  Students are eligible in almost all cases except where the software will be used in a role that is unrelated to academic activity at Yale (a system owned by an athletic club, for example).



6. Can faculty get the software?

   Faculty members may install MSDNAA software on their computers.

   The only limitation is that the software must be used for research, instruction and not-for-profit activities.  Use of MSDNAA software for infrastructure systems or for "production activities" (such as departmental budgeting) is strictly prohibited.

7. Can staff get the software?

   Restrictions on staff use of MSDN-AA software are extremely strict so they may use MSDNAA software only in very limited circumstances.  For example:
   • Staff members who are directly involved in administering systems and providing support for MSDNAA software MAY install MSDNAA software themselves.

   • Information Technology staff interested in assessing the suitability of these products for production services or infrastructure reasons would NOT be eligible.

   • Other staff (e.g. Finance and Administration) desiring to use the software to improve their efficiency or experiment with new techniques would NOT be eligible.

   See this page (Microsoft site) for a more detailed discussion of eligibility requirements and usage guidelines.

8. How long will this program last?

   Membership is renewable on an annual basis at the discretion of both parties.  Please note that even if the donation is not extended you are allowed to keep software obtained under the program as long as you meet the other requirements.

   Yale's membership in the MSDN-AA program has been renewed through June of 2006.

9. What happens if I leave Yale?

   Under the terms of the EULA you must agree to, you agree to immediately remove any of these products from your machine(s) as soon as you lose your status as a member of student, staff, or faculty.

   please note that this is not a Yale requirement and no one at Yale can grant an exception.

10. What about my privacy?

    Yale will be providing Microsoft with a biannual report of the number of people who use the program.  No other information is provided to Microsoft.

11. What do you mean that software "may not be supported" and why not?

    The software Microsoft has donated represents a mixture of products that are well known and well supported by various support groups at Yale, as well as additional software that we have either no experience with or carries known issues with other software and hardware.  Microsoft does not provide us with the capability of testing the software for support nor the additional time. End users should very carefully consider any upgrade issues and discuss them with their local support provider before installing.