Best way to license Microsoft software as an independent developer

Question

I've recently switched from being an employee of a small consulting company to being an independent consultant and as time goes on I will need to upgrade Windows and Visual Studio. So what is the most affordable way to go about this for a small time developer?

My previous boss suggested I get a TechNet Plus subscription for OS licenses, I've done that and appears to be what I need, but open to other options for the future.

Visual Studio I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly what is the difference between Professional and Standard. Also I'd really like a digital version, but seems that expensive MSDN subscription is the only way?

Visual Studio 2008 Professional with MSDN Professional listed here appears to be semi-reasonably priced at $1,199. That would make the TechNet Plus subscription unneeded.

Answer 1

For non developer tools try Microsoft Action Pack https://partner.microsoft.com/40016455 Then use Visual Studio Professional (in some exibitions you will get this for free) For the versioning use svn and not TeamSystem

Answer 2

I recommend that if VS Express is not good enough, use Professional. Standard is missing some really useful features, like a Remote Debugger. Here is a detailed comparison:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/cc149003.aspx

I'd say cancel TechNet and get one of the bottom two MSDN Subscriptions, Visual Studio Professional with either MSDN Professional or with MSDN Premium.

Answer 3

I realise that this doesn't apply to the asker but it it is relevent to the question.

Any student developers out there try Microsfts Dream Spark scheme. Visual Studio, Expression Studio, XNA and Server 2003 for free!

Office is also available to students for less than 60 bucks in Microsfts `Ultimate Steal'

Answer 4

You have the Microsoft Empower for ISV program, see https://partner.microsoft.com/40011351

Gives you a full msdn pro subscription for two years.

Answer 5

I think that Visual Studio Professional with MSDN Subscription doesn't offer much value compared to just purchasing Visual Studio 2010 Pro. You get testing licenses for Windows Server and MSSQL, but that's it. And you can get by just fine without those 90% of the time.

But Visual Studio Premium with MSDN is a different story. You get access to most other server products (testing license only of course), and an Office Professional license. That's a much better value for a one-man shop in my opinion, if you can afford it.