Microsoft Overhauls MSDN and TechNet

Microsoft has overhauled the Microsoft Developers Network and TechNet, its online hotspots tailored to IT professionals. The update, introduced on May 22, 2008, brings new content and a redesign which adds a dose of dynamism to the resources offered by the two websites. Senior vice president of the Developer Division at Microsoft, S. Somasegar explained that the update impacted a total of 18 Tech and Dev centers, as well as the home pages for the two portals for no less than seven languages.

"We released a new (updated) set of Tech & Dev Centers on MSDN & TechNet. This is the next step forward in enabling MSDN and TechNet to be a destination of choice for the community and by the community. With the new site redesign, the MSDN and TechNet Web sites will make it easier to discover and participate in these online communities and showcase the insights of the community experts as well as active technical professionals throughout the world," Somasegar revealed.

Both MSDN and TechNet have been building consistent audiences of IT professionals and developers for over a decade by offering content designed to enable the creation of a luxuriant environment of solutions on top of Microsoft's platforms and products. The latest refresh of MSDN and TechNet is set up to deliver even more extensive technical resources and guidance for the two portals' respective audiences.

"One feature that you will find useful is that on our Developer and Technology Centers, you'll increasingly see content from Microsoft experts as well as the community highlighted right on the home page of each Center," Somasegar added. "You'll also see a greater emphasis on Forums which use a new Forums platform with recognition for Top Answers and easier ways to see thread previews, which questions have code associated with them, and which questions already have answers."