Microsoft DreamSpark (formerly MSDNAA)
What is Microsoft DreamSpark?
Microsoft DreamSpark is an annual membership program for academic departments that research and teach software concepts and software development. Membership of Microsoft DreamSpark provides an inexpensive solution to keeping academic labs, academic staff, and students at the leading edge of technology.
Computing Services currently sponsors and manages membership of this program at the University of Bath, enabling authorised members of academic staff and students to have the latest development tools, operating systems, server software, documentation, and technical references at their fingertips. In addition, staff and students are allowed complete access to all these development tools on their personal computers as well as on University owned computers.
There are numerous benefits to membership:
- Latest set of Microsoft platforms, servers, and developer tools via a download Web site, including:
- Visual Studio
- Microsoft Developer Network Library (MSDN)
- Windows Server products
- Project Professional
- Visio Professional
- SQL Server
- Software Developers Kits (SDKs)
- Microsoft Enterprise Learning Library
- License to install the software on any number of lab machines used by the department for teaching of theory or application of operating systems, databases, programming languages or e-commerce applications.
- License to provide the software to students taking courses that lead to credit or a certificate within a "technology related course" at the University, so they can load the software on their personal computers for use in course work and personal projects.
- Electronic software distribution to students through e-Academy License Management Systems (ELMS).
- Private newsgroups where IT support staff can ask technical and administrative questions, collaborate with each other, and talk with the MSDNAA team.
- Comprehensive DreamSpark Web site that provides resources, including;
- Program information and news
- Projects
- Tutorials
- Academically focused articles
Examples of Acceptable Instructional and Research Use:
A department may use the software and technologies provided by Microsoft DreamSpark to teach or conduct research on the concepts or theory behind the following:
- Operating systems, using Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
- Database structures and database administration, using Microsoft SQL Server
- Programming languages and algorithms, using Visual Studio .NET
- E-commerce applications, using Microsoft Commerce Server and/or Microsoft BizTalk Server
- A department may use Windows as the operating system to run Visual Studio .NET, SQL Server, and other software development tools included in the DreamSpark membership.
Examples of Unacceptable Use:
- The software may not be used in a lab that does not facilitate the teaching of the products or concepts related to the products.
- Windows may not be used as the operating system in a lab that is not used to facilitate the teaching of development concepts and theories in conjunction with other software in this program.
- The software may not be used on any computer that supports the operations of the institution such as accounting, admissions, facilities, information technology, etc.
- SQL Server may not be used to set up a department-wide internal database.
- Commerce Server may not be used to run e-commerce applications for the institution.
- The Information Technology staff may not use the software and technologies to develop applications for the academic institution's infrastructure.
(Instructional purposes are defined as conducting educational classes, labs, or related programs for teaching and/or learning the products or concepts related to the products that are part of this program. Research purposes are defined as conducting not-for-profit research projects.)
Essentially, teaching of software development or software concepts is acceptable, everything else is NOT. See the EULA if you require further clarification.
Applying to use Microsoft DreamSpark software
Student Guidelines
In order for a student to participate in this program they must be enrolled in at least one course at the University that includes the teaching of theory or application of operating systems, databases, programming languages or e-commerce applications. Those who meet the criteria are eligible to download the software onto their own computers.
- To apply for authorisation, fill in the student form.
Authorised students can download DreamSpark software themselves from the e-academy.
Teaching Staff Guidelines
The same guidelines apply to staff members, with the exception that they must be teaching courses related to the theory or application of operating systems, databases, programming languages or e-commerce applications.
- To apply for authorisation, fill in the Staff - Teaching form.
Research Staff Guidelines
Staff who wish to use the software as part of research into the theory or application of operating systems, databases, programming languages or e-commerce applications are also eligible to download the software onto their own computers.
- To apply for authorisation, fill in the Staff - Research form.
Authorised staff can download DreamSpark software themselves from the e-academy.