Srini,
It depends what fine print you are referring to. The Microsoft Partner Program encompasses several levels which have varying benefits and requirements. One can be a basic registered user at the bottom of the pyramid or be a Microsoft Certified Partner which contains Microsoft Certified Professionals. The ISV or Independent Software Vendors is a step up and finally there are the Microsoft Certified Gold Partners.
I would simply give the URL, but Microsoft doesn't really like advertising its Partner Program site. Registered users of the Microsoft Partner Program can subscribe to the Microsoft Action Pack. The fine print for this program contains the following:
Section 3.4
The licenses are provided for use at your primary business location only and must be used only for your internal business purposes, application development, and testing. The licenses are not intended for employee personal use at home, for hosting customers' applications, or for installation at a customer site, and may not be resold, transferred, or assigned to any third party.
The overall Microsoft Partner Program at its basic level is intended for various Microsoft users and varying levels to promote, sell, train and improve their skills with cutting edge Microsoft Products. As an FYI, recently hundreds of users higher up on the pyramid complained to Microsoft that some partners were receiving benefits which they didn't think they qualified for. Hence the compentency testing which will be required for all new partners and annually or biannually for current partners.
I have personally spoken with the director of the Microsft Partner Program who specifically runs the MAP program and have completely outlined my use of the proglram and MAP. He felt certain that I was well within the licensing agreement.
Either way, I pay my $299 annually, take my compentency testing and do not abuse the Microsoft Licensing Agreement, i.e. give away software or licenses to others. I have on the other hand, personally set up two offices recently complete with Microsoft Products all made easier by the benefits of the Microsoft Partner Program.
