When you sign up for this cost-effective, annual subscription, you will receive these benefits:

Welcome Kits MAPS software is available for digital distribution as soon as your payment is processed (usually two business days). Most physical Welcome Kits ship within 48 hours of approval of payment. Allow 15 to 30 business days to receive your kit.

Additional MAPS Software and Kits So that you’ll have access to the latest Microsoft technologies, training, and marketing information, MAPS subscribers get updated versions or new releases of included software. If you receive software through digital distribution, you’ll have access to new or updated software as it becomes available. If you receive software through physical shipments, you may receive up to four kit shipments per year. The frequency of kit shipments may vary. Allow up to 30 business days after the shipping date to receive kits. If you have questions or concerns about kit shipments, contact your nearest Regional Service Center.

Schedule of Upcoming Kits* In addition to your Welcome Kit, MAPS subscribers receive up to four supplemental kits per year (FY10 kits: September 2009, November 2009, March 2010, and May 2010). The release schedule of kits is aligned to the new product release schedule.* This schedule gives you access to the newly launched products as soon as they become available.

* Products and dates are subject to change based on product availability.

Eligibility To subscribe to the MAPS, you must be a Registered Member of the Microsoft Partner Network and pass an assessment.

How to Subscribe Get step-by-step instructions on the Microsoft Partner Network portal that guide you through the subscription process.

Renewing an Existing Microsoft Action Pack Subscription The assessment requirement for eligible renewing Action Pack subscribers is currently suspended. This requirement will be reinstated in the fall of 2009.

To be eligible to renew your subscription, you must:

1. Be a Registered Member of the Microsoft Partner Network.
2. Not be enrolled in the Empower for ISVs initiative.
3. Be a current Action Pack subscriber within three months of your subscription expiration date, or have a subscription that expired not longer than six months ago.

New Action Pack subscribers are required to take an assessment to be eligible to order.

Subscribing to MAPS gives you access to a variety of resources to help you build your business.

Internal-Use Software and Product Demos
Get internal-use product licenses to test and demonstrate, as well as in-depth product information. Use these resources to effectively promote, install, and build solutions that use Microsoft products and technologies.

Sales Support Enhance your sales and marketing efforts with sales guides, special promotions, product offers, and other timely resources.

Online Support Get online program support Monday through Friday—available at no extra charge—from the Online Community, featuring Microsoft support professionals available to answer MAPS program questions within eight business hours.

Also participate in discussions about topics such as:

• Assessment requirement
• Subscription process
• Quarterly Update Kit shipments

This community also provides access to technical communities for specific product issues.