UPDATE: What Downgrade Rights are included in my Action Pack Subscription?

During yesterday’s “Understanding the latest MAPS Updates,” Live Meeting session, I shared a couple of visual examples of how previous version rights work in the Microsoft Action Pack Subscription based on some revisions that have taken place. Here is what the policy is:

Action Pack does not have downgrade rights. (If you want to learn more about Downgrade Rights, you can attend my “Introduction to Open License for Partners” Live Meeting session on February 21st.) The updated Action Pack policy states that as long as you continue to keep your Action Pack subscription current, you can use prior versions of the software that you have received through Action Pack in the past. If you did not receive the prior versions in your Action Pack in the past, you cannot use those versions.

Example #1: Continuously renewed subscription

MAPS Prior1 (Click image for full view)

In this example, it shows you started your Action Pack Subscription in 2006. Then in 2007 and 2008, you renewed your Action Pack Subscription both times so that your subscription did not expire during this 3-year period. You have received your various software versions throughout your subscription time. As such, you are entitled to use the prior versions you received instead of the current versions if you wish. So for instance, you could use Office 2003 instead of Office 2007 since you would have received that during your 2006 subscription. You still only have the same number of licenses that are included in Action Pack (i.e. 10 for Office), they do NOT add up over time (10 + 10 + 10)

Example #2: Lapsed subscription

MAPS Prior 2 (Click image for full view)

In this example, it shows you started your Action Pack Subscription in 2006. Then in 2007 you chose not to renew your subscription. In 2008, you re-subscribe to the Action Pack Subscription (start new subscription) so your subscription did expire during this 3-year period. You have received your various software versions throughout your subscription time; however, you are only entitled to use the prior versions you received since your last expiration. So for instance, you could not use Office 2003 instead of Office 2007 since you would have received the 2007 version in your latest kit and the 2003 version was received prior to you letting your subscription lapse. Once your subscription to Microsoft Action Pack expires, you must uninstall the software and destroy your media. You would receive new media once you rejoin Action Pack with your new subscription.

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Eric Ligman
Microsoft US Senior Manager
Small Business Community Engagement
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights