Today I’d like to introduce you to a great IT Resource called the Microsoft TechNet Program.

Microsoft TechNet delivers complete, straight-forward technical resources to help IT professionals efficiently evaluate, deploy and support any and all Microsoft software solutions. I first signed up for Technet in the mid 90’s when I also registered my PC Consulting Business as a Microsoft System Builder. Microsoft sponsors local, live TechNet events that you can attend. If I went to one, I went to a hundred of them. They have excellent technical presentations, and sometimes an additional vendor with a complimentary IT product. Information, answers, and free samples abound!

There were typically about 300 people there so it was a great networking event — pun intended! Microsoft just gave software away. I remember coming home from one Technet event with a full copy of NT Server 4 and 10 Client Access Licenses. Come on! It was expensive. I used it for years and learned so much that I eventually became a certified MCSE instructor, but that’s a different story. Technet  has webcasts, an online knowledge base, the free TechNet Flash IT newsletter.

TechNet Plus features premium Web-enabled and live support resources for quick access to Microsoft experts, software, and technical information to enhance your  IT productivity and planning. Plus, it allows you to evaluate new Microsoft technologies without time limits. Translation: free software for your personal and technical development that doesn’t expire. Very generous. Microsoft knows how to support the Techies that support and promote their products. I have really enjoyed the benefits of the Technet program. And it’s something that your company will most likely pick up the tab for at only $349 per year.

Overall, Technet will help you keep your technical skills sharp and give you access to the information you need on a day-to-day basis to solve all the technical problems that come your way. This is an essential “IT Toolset” if you live in the Microsoft world.

Find out more here:

Microsoft TechNet

Resources for IT Professionals