It would be nice if you could share the URL you are referencing for the cheap MSDN option. As another person mention there seems to be a difference from the 1199 MS option to the 795 IBM option (in US $).
What I don't understand is how you don't factor the software in the cost of your business. I would be shocked you would assume a cost of $0 for any software. Technically you are passing part of the costs (for your business) to your customers via your consulting fees or projects. I can share that the price (of the IBM software) has been the same for a number of years (as far back as 2001 as I remember). Hell I made the investment in 2001 out of my own pocket. My logic: 1) I figured the investment will allow me to use/experiment with the software and bring that knowledge to the bargaining table with my employer. 2) The cost of the IBM software (then) was less than 1.2% of my annual salary; quite far if you ask me.
The benefit from the software allow me to get a nice salary for the job -- past and present jobs. Personally I will probably purchase the MSDN for my non-production (or home) environment.
Jake,
It would be nice if you could share the URL you are referencing for the cheap MSDN option. As another person mention there seems to be a difference from the 1199 MS option to the 795 IBM option (in US $).
What I don't understand is how you don't factor the software in the cost of your business. I would be shocked you would assume a cost of $0 for any software. Technically you are passing part of the costs (for your business) to your customers via your consulting fees or projects. I can share that the price (of the IBM software) has been the same for a number of years (as far back as 2001 as I remember). Hell I made the investment in 2001 out of my own pocket. My logic: 1) I figured the investment will allow me to use/experiment with the software and bring that knowledge to the bargaining table with my employer. 2) The cost of the IBM software (then) was less than 1.2% of my annual salary; quite far if you ask me.
The benefit from the software allow me to get a nice salary for the job -- past and present jobs. Personally I will probably purchase the MSDN for my non-production (or home) environment.
Just my 2 cent (or pence)