What is a SQL Azure CTP Invitation code?
+1
A:
An Azure Invitation code is a code inviting you to the CTP of AZURE, which has long passed (so it is worthless now). The CTP was non-public and you could only get in if you had an unused invitation code, that certain parties whre handing out. This limited access to the CTP to partners and other people "deemed worthy". This is a standard approach during CTP (technology previews) and / or EAP (early access programs) where the item tested is deemed to unstable (not necessarily as a product, but maybe in the API which will change, or the packaging) for public review.
TomTom
2010-03-24 06:29:54
I can't imagine why this answer was voted down, except maybe for the comment about worthiness. But it pretty-much describes the concept of the invite tokens, why they were given out, and how the ctp is over, now that the product is commercially available. Maybe if the original answer were edited slightly to stress that invite-codes were handed out pretty graciously at Microsoft conferences, and also by request if you filled out a form. I had no trouble acquiring a code when they were first made available.
David Makogon
2010-03-30 20:16:48