We just sent out the first 121 free TechNet Plus Direct subscriptions to members in Culminis, INETA and PASS user groups around the world. Each user group that is a member of any of these three associations is eligible for one subscription. This is a tremendous offer from the TechNet team, and I'd love to be able to get every user group to sign up for a free subscription. If you are the leader of a Culminis, INETA or PASS user group, check with your association for the details of how to do this - it's in the latest newsletter in most cases.

TechNet Plus Direct is a premium yearly subscription that offers access to a comprehensive set of resources and tools designed to help IT Professionals evaluate, deploy, and support Microsoft products.  During the subscription year, the chosen user will have access to the following TechNet Plus Subscription Benefits:

• Evaluation software: Download and install over 70 titles of full version Microsoft software, without any time limits, for evaluation and proof of concept purposes
• Pre - Release Betas: Get access to selected Betas before release to general public
• TechNet Technical Library: Download the updated Microsoft Knowledge Base to your device, and have access to security updates, service packs, resource kits, utilities, technical training, and product documentation
• eLearning Courses: Each subscriber has the opportunity to take three selected (recently released) eLearning courses every quarter. A total of 12 for each subscription year.
• Managed Newsgroup Support: Receive a reviewed response to any query posted on a TechNet Newsgroup within 24 hours
• Online Concierge Chat: Access 24/7 instant message chat support with an online search professional that can help you locate specific resources.
• Technical Support Incidents: Access two Technical support incidents per subscription year, and a 20% discount on additional support.
• TechNet Magazine (availability varies by region)