Volume Licensing Administration

Many customers purchase MSDN subscriptions through a Microsoft Volume Licensing program. After a purchase is made, a designated administrator or Subscription Manager for the organization must then assign the subscription to a particular individual, who then receives an invitation to activate in e-mail. That individual follows the instructions in the e-mail to activate the subscription and begin using subscriber benefits.

Resources for Subscription Managers (administrators):

• MSDN Subscriptions Benefit Administration Guide
• Volume License Service Center (VLSC) (where you assign and manage subscriptions)

Tips and Best Practices

Keep the following things in mind when you use the MSDN Subscriptions Benefit Administration tool:

• MSDN subscriptions are licensed per user. Even though the tool allows you to assign multiple licenses to a user, you should make sure that each user is assigned only one MSDN subscription license. Licensed users can use the software on as many computers as needed.
• Assign the managed forums, online chat, and support incident benefits to each user. Even if you wish to limit access to software downloads, it is best to provide your users with all the support options they’re entitled to under their MSDN subscription.
• Assign a license to each user you add. While the tool allows you to not assign a license to a user, you should do so anyway.
• Assign only one level for each user, according to the MSDN subscription license you have purchased. If you have users with more than one download level assigned to them, edit their settings so that they only have one.
• Ensure that each user's level and license match. Be sure to assign only one level and one license to each user, and make sure that they are the same.
• Do not share subscriptions between users. A subscription license comes with software use rights and support, and users who receive all or part of these benefits must have a license assigned to them.

Volume Licensing Administration Training

Get Step-by-Step Video Instruction These videos show you how to complete common tasks for assigning and managing MSDN Subscriptions. They are provided in English only. For subtitles in your language, select Subtitles > Languages from the bottom of the video frame.