Anybody else disappointed with the LAUNCHWAVE08 swag?

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xcubed

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#20110 13-Mar-2008 16:05

Hey guys,

After attending the LAUNCHWAVE08 event in Christchurch the other day, my colleagues and I are rather disappointed with the software they gave out. Yes, the event was a marketing event for Windows Server, SQL Server and Visual Studio, but considering we paid $150pp + GST and that they made a big deal of advertising the software giveaways, it wasn't that flash.

For those who didn't attend, here's what we were given:
- Windows Server 2008 (1yr evaluation version)
- SQL Server 2008 Community Technology Preview (180 day evaluation)
- Visual Studio 2008 Team Suite (90 day evaluation)
(SP1 for Vista was advertised, but wasn't provided. Supposedly they're going to mail it out once it has been RTM)

Just to be clear, I wasn't expecting them all to be full versions, but one would be nice. The SQL Server software was advertised earlier as being limited to 1 user, which I assumed meant that it was user/connection limited rather than a time trial.

And of course, most of this is available for free from the Microsoft.com site:

Windows Server 2008 Enterprise (60 day evaluation):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=13c7300e-935c-415a-a79c-538e933d5424&DisplayLang=en

SQL Server 2008 CTP (180 day evaluation):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=749bd760-f404-4d45-9ac0-d7f1b3ed1053&DisplayLang=en

Visual Studio 2008 Team Suite (90 day evaluation):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=D95598D7-AA6E-4F24-82E3-81570C5384CB&displaylang=en

What did everyone else think?

laurasaur

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#118489 25-Mar-2008 10:54

It does seem a bit stingy that they are only giving out products that you can get free online - however did you find the sessions useful? I am off to the Auckland one tomorrow... I will let you know what I thought...

chakkaradeep

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#118491 25-Mar-2008 11:15

Hi,

I didnt attend the LaunchWave, but from their website,

. 1 x Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition with 1 virtualisation license RTM

-- The above says one license for Virtualisation which I believe is for Hyper-V and that too for the RTM version, which I suppose corresponds to the RTM version of Hyper-v (Hyper-v is in its RC stage)

. 1 x Visual Studio 2008 Team Suite 90 day trial

-- It does say trial

. 1 x SQL CTP 6 (Community Technology Preview) plus a SQL RTM (final version) voucher for SQL Standard 1 user

-- SQL Server 2008 is still under testing and not released and the above says you get a voucher for SQL Server 2008 Final Version for 1 user.

. A 40% discount voucher on a TechNET Plus Single User subscription

. 1 x Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista DVD

So, what is not clear here ?

Regards,
Chaks

Desktop : Intel Quad Core Q9400 2.66GHz - 8GB RAM - 500 GB + 500 GB HDD - NVidia GeForce 9800GT - LG246WH Flatron Display - Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise with Hyper-V
Virtual Machine : Powered by Hyper-V and VMWare Workstation
Laptop: HP dv7-3004TX Entertainment Notebook PC | HP Touchsmart tx2 1119au - Windows 7 Ultimate x64
Mac: iMac 21.5" Snow Leopard
Mobile : iPhone 3GS

laurasaur

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#118493 25-Mar-2008 11:24

Yeah I read that its very clear to me - I was just responding to the OP. Im just going to see what they have to say about everything at the presentations - anyone else going tomorrow?

xcubed

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#118497 25-Mar-2008 11:35

chakkaradeep: So, what is not clear here ?

I misunderstood that there was a voucher for SQL Server, I thought they were providing a non-time limited version of SQL Server in the pack. I've since found the voucher tucked away in the side pocket of the CD wallet.

laurasaur: however did you find the sessions useful?

The sessions were okay, but I've seen most of the technology demoed at the Summer Road Trip which was a free event.

All up, it's not really that I misunderstood what was offered, I just thought that Microsoft could have done better.

gehenna

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#118498 25-Mar-2008 11:38

Still, considering last year I got Vista Ultimate 32/64 install DVDs, this year WAS a bit stingy in comparison.

Also, from my reading of the Windows Server 2008 software write up, there is no mention of it being an evaluation copy. They made that clear about the other items, just not this one. Or, it it only able to be run virtually and that is why they mentioned the virtualisation license? Feel free to correct my understanding of this one...

freitasm

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#118501 25-Mar-2008 11:43

In Wellington they made it clear it was a 12 month evaluation license for development purposes. They also said it would be ok if it found its way to a production server, but only for 12 months and nothing about timebomb was talked about.

I have contacted someone at Microsoft to check if the license is timebombed or not.

In Wellington both days received Windows Vista Ultimate with SP1 since there was no SP1 DVDs available. So I guess the other event didn't get the same "treatment"?

barf

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#118510 25-Mar-2008 12:20

more like a total stinking rip off

the sessions were good, i learnt alot about MS' new products

still not seeing any of this "interoperability" with "linux" they made mention of in the keynote.....

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laurasaur

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#118824 26-Mar-2008 17:53

Well I thought launchwave8 was not bad... I thought some of the developer tracks could have gone a bit more in depth but I guess they only have a certain amount of time soI dont blame them.... and getting vista ultimate with sp1 was yay. also the exam voucher is a big bonus for me personally.

freitasm

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#118837 26-Mar-2008 18:12

I've talked to someone at Microsoft and while the Windows Server 2008 license is for 12 months, it is not timebombed.

laurasaur

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#118910 26-Mar-2008 21:30

thats right - and it is definately not for commercial use :) btw nicee quotes at the keynote freitasm :)

freitasm

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#118933 26-Mar-2008 22:12

Those are for testing purposes, but the MC said that if a copy finds its way to production - that's fine, providing is not in use for longer than its license.

Thanks...

freitasm

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#118937 26-Mar-2008 22:18

laurasaur: btw nicee quotes at the keynote freitasm :)

Are you talking about the banner, or did they say something during the keynote in Auckland?

laurasaur

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#120632 2-Apr-2008 23:40

freitasm:
laurasaur: btw nicee quotes at the keynote freitasm :)

Are you talking about the banner, or did they say something during the keynote in Auckland?

actually did not see the banner, I was too transfixed on the quote that was stolen from one of my collegaues by another colleague and got made into one lol!!

i saw yours in the powerpoint in the opening keynote :)