If you think that illegal use of the Windows Vista operating system is limited only to software pirates then think again, because Microsoft's own partners are not far behind. However, company partners that have access to Action Packs can misuse a range of software products and not just Windows Vista. Via an annual Microsoft Action Pack Subscription, users can get their hands on a Welcome Kit and three Quarterly Update Kits with a range of new software releases. At this point in time, Microsoft partners are delivered with everything from Windows Vista Business to Exchange Server 2007 Standard 64 bit as Not-for-Distribution Software. The contents are available exclusively for "internal business purposes, application development, and testing."

"The Microsoft Action Pack Subscription is available exclusively to consultants, value-added resellers, value-added providers, system integrators, developers, system builders, hosts and service providers who are enrolled as Microsoft Partner Programme Registered Members and who distribute or influence their customers' acquisition of Microsoft software and Microsoft-based solutions," explained David Overton an ISV Partner Account Manager at Microsoft. "The Microsoft Partner Programme is designed only for businesses whose primary function is to sell, service, support, or build solutions on the Microsoft platform or to provide solutions based on Microsoft products and technologies to independent third-party customers."

A single Action Pack for company Registered level partners offers no less than 10 licenses for the client operating system, namely Windows Vista, and a single license for a server operating system. In this context, the price of an annual Action Pack Subscription does not even compare to the costs of full licenses, tempting partners to break the rules and illegally use or even distribute the Action Packs. This has prompted Microsoft to overhaul the requirements associated with the Action Packs, according to Bink.

"A new online-training and assessment requirement will go into effect November 30, 2007. New and renewing subscribers will be required to take any Microsoft E-Learning course and then pass its associated assessment with a minimum score of 70 percent. To continue receiving your Microsoft Action Pack Subscription, you will be required to pass an assessment every two years," Microsoft revealed.