What's a "Microsoft Partner", and why do we keep getting "ActionPacks"?

[Lon]

Years ago, someone here developed a relationship with
Microsoft that made our business development company a
"Microsoft Partner". Since then we have periodically
received packets of software worth a great deal of
money. No invoices, no letters of explanation or
expectation...

That "someone" is gone and I've inherited the
"relationship". what is our liability?

 

[Dustin Harper]

A Microsoft Partner is a company that is registered with Microsoft.
Depending on your level, you may have to keep up with certifications to keep
that level of certified partner. The Action Pack is a pack of software that
usually costs some money, but if he paid, and you aren't getting billed for
it, you don't have any other liability.

 

[Bill Yanaire]

A Microsoft partner is an individual or company that has an agreement with
Microsoft to develop software or sell solutions to other companies. With
this you get at a discount, lots of software. Multiple copies of the
Operating System, development tools, Office, and a host of other software
titles.

You probably get 10 licenses for each OS and Office and can use them on any
machine in your organization. This is for development only and should not
be put on Production machines.

You can activate 1, 2, or all 10 copies. Since the person has left the
company, in theory you can't use the products that you have any more. But
if you did install Vista on a machine, it would activate. Nobody would be
the wiser if you get my drift, but you would be in violation of the EULA.

Microsoft won't be knocking down your door, so you can make that
determination yourself.