by Julie Golding, U.S. MPN Lead
Microsoft Action Pack subscriptions provide cost-effective access to full-version Microsoft software for internal use, technical communities, training, and marketing tools—benefits of membership that help you build your practice around Microsoft products and technologies. For more information about 
the Action Pack and your benefits, select “Microsoft Action Pack subscriptions” from the Membership menu on the partner portal.
Start using your internal-use software licenses for three key Microsoft products today and start talking to customers about how your solutions built on them help meet their needs for efficiency, cost effectiveness, business productivity, and more. Download your software.
- Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2013. The new Office gives customers a comprehensive set of productivity tools to help them do their best work in a world of devices and services. For a comprehensive list of Office resources for partners, visit our online guide at http://aka.ms/us-partner-new-office, and find training using our hot sheet.
- Windows 8 Pro. Windows 8 Pro gives you all of the great benefits of Windows 8, as well as enhanced networking and data encryption features. Visit the Windows How-To site to see what’s new in Windows and for tips to get yourself and customers started using it. For a comprehensive list of Windows 8 resources for partners, visit our online guide at http://aka.ms/us-partner-windows-8, and find training using our hot sheet.
- Microsoft Windows Server 2012. Windows Server 2012 offers businesses a scalable, dynamic, and cloud-optimized infrastructure. It helps organizations connect securely across premises and respond to business needs faster and more efficiently. For a comprehensive list of Windows Server 2012 resources for partners, visit the partner portal at https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/Pages/Solutions/windows-server-2012.aspx, and find training using our hot sheet.
Managing your Action Pack renewal
January through March is the most common timeframe for Microsoft partners to renew their membership in the Microsoft Partner Network. As an Action Pack subscriber, you have two anniversary dates—one for your general membership and one for your Action Pack subscription—each of which requires you to take action in the Partner Membership Center to avoid interruption in your benefits.
Membership and benefits assistance
For assistance with downloading your software benefits, renewing your subscription, and other Microsoft Partner Network membership activities, contact the Regional Service Center. Options are available online through the Microsoft Partner Network support page at http://aka.ms/uspartnersupport.
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