Microsoft has released the MSDN Library as a free public download. The library was previously only available to MSDN subscribers, though most of the information was already available through the MSDN website. The Library is current as of May 2006, and will be updated with future versions for free download.
This follows the announcement last month that Microsoft Virtual PC is now free, and the announcement earlier this year that Virtual Server would be available for free. These technologies give developers the ability to simulate multiple operating systems on one computer, and are often used for testing software on different platforms, and for isolating beta or experimental software from the main development or production machines. These announcements should come as good news to the thousands of smaller Microsoft developers who may not have access to a full MSDN subscription.
This follows the announcement last month that Microsoft Virtual PC is now free, and the announcement earlier this year that Virtual Server would be available for free. These technologies give developers the ability to simulate multiple operating systems on one computer, and are often used for testing software on different platforms, and for isolating beta or experimental software from the main development or production machines. These announcements should come as good news to the thousands of smaller Microsoft developers who may not have access to a full MSDN subscription.
