Microsoft deals a blow to Action Pack Pirates

Thanks to Chi Melville for floating up the info that Microsoft will no longer be distributing full versions of Windows XP Professional with the Microsoft Action Pack:

“We apologize for any inconvenience you have experienced; however, Windows XP Professional is no longer included in the Microsoft Action Pack, due to a high amount of piracy we have been experiencing. Since this product is no longer a benefit of the Microsoft Action Pack subscription, we are unable to replace any CDs or product keys for this product.”

Thank you Microsoft! We have been screaming and moaning and whining for Microsoft to do something about the proliferation of illegal sales of Microsoft Action Pack to firms that do not focus on IT. You see, you used to be able to get a full copy of Windows XP Pro (as in, install on barebones PC) with the action pack and roll it out on up to 10 PC’s in the company for just $299 per year along with a billion other tools. Some unscrupulous partners criminals have been taking advantage of this Microsoft Partner benefit to illegaly provide licensing to businesses. It took a long time but finally… Microsoft has closed this down.

Susan has done a bit of digging as well so here is the official comment from Microsoft:

Why doesn’t Action Pack include the full version of Windows XP? In response to feedback we are receiving from partners, and to address piracy and abuse of the Microsoft Action Pack Subscription, Microsoft is taking steps to bring compliancy to this subscription by changing some of the software media available. Beginning July 2006, Microsoft will provide the upgrade version of the Windows XP desktop operating system within Action Pack, which is consistent with how this product is distributed to our Volume Licensing customers. The total number of Windows XP Upgrade licenses will remain at 10.

Good job guys!

Update: They are on the roll today!