I checked today with the Microsoft Action Pack Regional Service Center for the Unites States on what the availability of Windows 8 will be for US Partners who have current Action Pack subscriptions. We will be getting usage rights for 10 licenses of Windows 8 Professional. Available August 20, 2012.
Also check out release dates here on the Windows Team Blog (thanks to Brandon LeBlanc):
People will be able get Windows 8 starting on October 26th either by upgrading for $39.99 or on a new PC or device. And if you buy an eligible Windows 7 PC today, you will be able to purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99 (U.S.) through the Windows Upgrade Offer.
However, we have a number of programs that provides various audiences early access to the Windows 8 RTM code to help prepare for Windows 8 as it enters the marketplace this fall:
- August 15th: Developers will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via your MSDN subscriptions.
- August 15th: IT professionals testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through your TechNet subscriptions.
- August 16th: Customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), allowing you to test, pilot and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within your organization.
- August 16th: Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.
- August 20th: Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.
- September 1st: Volume License customers without Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 through Microsoft Volume License Resellers.
Please note: if a program you are in is not mentioned, please be patient as dates for Windows 8 RTM code availability for other programs will be communicated when the information becomes available.
Actually no link available in my MAPS account regarding WIndows 8…
Any News?
Hi Kinto,
Log into your Partner account and try the following URL to get to the Software Download launch page:
https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/pages/downloads/download-software.aspx
From there, I’m able to go to the following URL for Windows 8 Professional (although this may be a dynamic link):
https://www.microsoft.com/msppdd/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?p=/wEPBQcxMDAwMDg0BQIxNw==