MSDN-Version SBS and BackOffice Support Boundaries

This article describes support options available for Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) versions of Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS) and Microsoft BackOffice Server (BOS).

MSDN subscriptions come with two different types of support incidents, Library Technical Support incidents and Professional Support for Developers incidents. Library Support incidents may only be used for technical issues related to installing the MSDN Library application. All other incidents must use either a Professional Support for Developers incident or some other form of paid support.

Professional Support for Developers incidents can be used towards support from PSS on any product included in the MSDN subscription. These incidents are only for use in development and test environments. The MSDN EULA prohibits using MSDN versions of software in a production environment.

MSDN offers three levels of support: Library, Professional, and Universal. The Library subscription ships with two Library Technical Support Incidents. Professional also includes two Library Technical Support Incidents, as well as two Professional Support for Developers incidents. The Universal Subscription comes with two Library Technical Support Incidents and four Professional Support Incidents.

Two important limitations exist with regard to SBS and BOS MSDN versions:

• Upgrading Software
  
  Upgrading from MSDN versions of BOS or SBS to full package product (FPP) of either BOS or SBS is not supported. If an MSDN version of BOS or SBS has been installed in to a production environment for any reason, the only option at that point is to reinstall. Use the procedure outlined in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article or Web site to migrate data:
  228980  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/228980/EN-US/ ) Upgrading from SBS 4.0 to SBS 4.5 When Migrating Computers
• SBS Client Add Packs
  
  SBS Client Add Packs (bump packs) cannot be used against an MSDN version of SBS. If additional client connections are required, you must install the FPP version of SBS.

For information about MSDN Subscription offerings, see: