Azure Dev Tools for Teaching Licensing

Azure Dev Tools for Teaching Licensing – Quick Answer

• Offers software at no cost to students, faculty, and staff.
• Requires an institutional agreement for educational use.
• Excludes commercial use and services like Azure credits.
• Access is provided through Microsoft accounts.

Azure Dev Tools for Teaching is a licensing program by Microsoft that aims to empower educational institutions, faculty, and students by providing access to professional-grade development tools, software, and services.

Designed specifically for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, this program allows students to gain hands-on experience with the same tools used by professionals in the industry—at no cost to the students. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this educational program, including eligibility requirements, tools, benefits, restrictions, and how to enroll.

The program is important to Microsoft’s efforts to support education and technological innovation. By offering these tools at no cost, Microsoft aims to remove barriers for students and give them access to the same technologies companies use worldwide.

This access helps ensure that students are well-prepared for the workforce upon graduation, equipped with theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The program also benefits faculty by providing the resources to integrate cutting-edge technology into their teaching practices.

Program Overview

Azure Dev Tools for Teaching provides access to Microsoft developer tools and software to help students learn and explore professional development environments.

The program is specifically tailored for students in STEM fields, allowing them to use the tools for coursework and academic research. This helps prepare students for the job market by equipping them with skills in widely used technologies and tools.

The program allows students to develop software, analyze data, and manage IT infrastructure using Microsoft’s powerful tools. It also helps students gain experience in software engineering, system administration, and DevOps.

By incorporating these tools into academic settings, institutions can help students better understand the practical aspects of their studies, moving beyond theoretical concepts to hands-on experience.

Key Highlights:

• Available to academic institutions and their students enrolled in STEM programs.
• No cost for student access to professional-grade development tools.
• Focuses on providing industry-standard resources to improve educational outcomes.
• Designed to support practical, hands-on learning experiences critical to student success in technical careers.

The Azure Dev Tools for Teaching program allows Microsoft to foster the next generation of developers, engineers, and IT professionals by bridging the gap between learning environments and real-world applications. Microsoft also aims to promote technological innovation and research in academic settings by providing access to these tools.

Licensing Structure

The licensing structure for Azure Dev Tools for Teaching follows a specific set of eligibility requirements, restrictions, and benefits for faculty and students. Institutions and users must understand these requirements to maximize the benefits while complying with Microsoft’s licensing policies.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the program, both the academic institution and individual users must meet certain criteria:

• Academic Institutions: The institution must have a Volume Licensing Agreement with Microsoft. This agreement is the foundation of participating in Azure Dev Tools for Teaching and serves as a prerequisite for enrollment. Institutions that wish to take advantage of this offering must ensure that their Volume Licensing Agreement is active and covers the required educational components.
• Students: Must be enrolled in at least one credit-based course in a department that is a program member. This includes students in STEM departments such as computer science, engineering, and mathematics. Students from other disciplines are generally not eligible unless they take STEM-related courses under the program’s scope.
• Faculty Members: Faculty members teaching approved courses can also use the software and tools provided under this program for instructional purposes. Faculty can use these tools to develop course content, conduct research, and provide students with real-world examples of software development and IT operations.

License Restrictions

While the Azure Dev Tools for Teaching program offers extensive access to Microsoft software, there are specific restrictions that must be followed:

• Instructional and Research Use Only: The software provided is intended for instructional and research purposes. Faculty and students cannot use the software for departmental infrastructure or operational purposes. For example, a department cannot use the Windows Server provided under this program to manage its internal network.
• No Commercial Use: Software provided through the program generally cannot be used commercially. However, applications developed for the Windows Store may be an exception. Students interested in developing applications for commercial purposes must review the specific licensing terms to ensure compliance.
• Non-Infrastructure Usage: The tools cannot be used to run departmental operations like server infrastructure or administrative. This restriction helps ensure that the program is used strictly for educational benefits and not for supporting day-to-day institutional operations.

Read about Microsoft Accessibility tools.

Software and Tools Included

The Azure Dev Tools for Teaching subscription provides access to various Microsoft software, including developer tools, server products, and professional applications. Here is an overview of what is included:

Development Tools

• Visual Studio Enterprise: A professional integrated development environment (IDE) providing advanced software application development features. Visual Studio Enterprise includes features such as debugging, testing, and collaboration tools that are essential for large-scale software projects.
• Visual Studio Code: A popular code editor that supports various programming languages and tools. Visual Studio Code is lightweight yet powerful, making it ideal for beginners and experienced developers.
• Visual Studio for Mac: A powerful development environment designed for macOS. This enables students who use macOS to access the same high-quality development environment on Windows.
• Azure DevOps Server provides a suite of DevOps services to facilitate collaboration and development. It enables teams to build, test, and release software. The service includes features like version control, project management, and build automation, which are critical for modern software development.
• Remote Tools for Visual Studio: Allows remote debugging and other development-related activities, enabling students to collaborate or debug applications on different machines.

Server Products

• Windows Server: A server operating system allowing comprehensive server management capabilities. Students can learn about server roles, Active Directory, and other features commonly used in enterprise IT environments.
• SQL Server Developer and Standard: Databases that help students learn data management and SQL. SQL Server is widely used in industry, and learning how to set up, query, and manage databases is essential for many IT roles.
• SharePoint Server is useful for collaboration and learning enterprise-level document management systems. It can also create information-sharing websites, making it a powerful collaboration and content management tool.
• System Center enables students to manage physical and virtual IT environments and helps them understand IT infrastructure management, including deploying, monitoring, and configuring servers and desktops.

Professional Applications

• Project Professional: A project management tool valuable for organizing and planning team projects. Project Professional helps students learn about managing tasks, schedules, and resources, skills that are crucial in both software development and general project management.
• Visio Professional: Diagramming software for visualizing workflows, system designs, and more. Students can use Visio to create diagrams illustrating software architecture, network infrastructure, and complex systems.
• Windows 10/11 for Education: Provides students with the tools they need for effective learning in a Windows environment. This version includes features designed to facilitate learning and collaboration in academic settings.

Azure Benefits and Credits

One of the program’s unique benefits is access to Azure credits and services. These credits allow students to explore cloud computing, an essential skill in today’s technology landscape.

Student Benefits

• $100 in Azure Credits: Students receive $100 worth of Azure credits to explore cloud technologies, build and test applications, and deploy services. These credits can be used to learn about cloud computing, which is increasingly important in modern IT environments.
• Access to Free Azure Services: Students can access various Azure services for educational and research purposes. Examples include creating cloud databases, virtual machines, and web applications. Azure services help students understand cloud infrastructure, scalability, and data storage.
• No Credit Card Required: Unlike typical Azure subscriptions, students do not need a credit card to sign up, simplifying the registration process. This is particularly important for students who may not have access to credit cards, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to these learning resources.

Program Limitations

• It is important to note that the Azure Dev Tools for Teaching subscription does not include Azure credits. Instead, the credits are provided to students separately. Institutions must ensure students know how to claim these credits to fully benefit from the program.
• This program does not include Microsoft Office, which might concern students and faculty members who require productivity tools. However, institutions often provide Microsoft Office through other licensing agreements, so it may still be available to students separately.

License Management

Managing access and licenses in an academic environment can be challenging. Azure Dev Tools for Teaching offers features to help simplify this process.

Proper license management ensures that institutions remain compliant with licensing agreements and that students have seamless access to the tools they need.

Administrative Features

• Centralized License Management: The program provides the Azure Education Hub, a centralized management platform that enables institutions to distribute licenses and manage users from a single location. Centralized management helps reduce the administrative burden on IT staff and ensures efficient license allocation.
• Integration with Institutional Authentication Systems: This allows institutions to integrate with their existing authentication systems, making accessing the tools easier for students and faculty. For example, institutions that use single sign-on (SSO) can integrate Azure Dev Tools for Teaching with their SSO systems, simplifying the login process for users.
• Simplified User Management: Administrators can add or remove students from the program, manage software access, and distribute software licenses effectively. This streamlined approach helps ensure that all eligible users have access to the necessary resources without unnecessary delays.

Access Management

• Azure Portal Access: Students can easily access the tools and software provided through the Azure portal using their student credentials. The Azure portal is a single access point for all tools, making it convenient for students to locate and use the resources.
• No Separate Subscription Required: The Azure Dev Tools for Teaching benefits are available without a separate Azure subscription, simplifying access and reducing administrative overhead. This makes it easier for students to use the tools without worrying about complex subscription requirements.

Commercial Usage Rights

The software provided through Azure Dev Tools for Teaching has specific rules regarding commercial use. Understanding these rules is crucial to ensuring compliance and avoiding potential licensing violations.

Student Projects

• No Commercialization: Students are not allowed to commercialize any applications developed using the software obtained from the program. This ensures that the tools are used purely for educational purposes. For instance, if a student develops a software application as part of a coursework project, they cannot sell or otherwise monetize that application.
• Windows Store Applications: There is an exception for applications developed for the Windows Store. Students are allowed to commercialize these applications, offering a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience. This means that if a student develops an app for the Windows Store, they can potentially generate revenue from it, provided they comply with Microsoft’s specific guidelines.

All development efforts, whether individual or group projects, must be focused on learning and research. Any commercialized work must be conducted within the stipulated guidelines. The ability to commercialize Windows Store applications allows students to experience what it is like to develop, publish, and maintain software products.

Volume Licensing Integration and Enrollment Process

The Azure Dev Tools for Teaching program integrates with Microsoft’s Volume Licensing offerings for academic institutions. However, enrollment is not automatic and requires additional steps.

Enrollment Process

• Institutions are not automatically enrolled in the program with their Volume Licensing Agreement. Instead, a separate enrollment is required, often using a promotional code to complete the registration process. Institutions must contact their Microsoft representative to obtain the necessary promotional code and complete the enrollment.
• The program is available through a variety of Microsoft academic agreements, including:
• Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES): This agreement provides comprehensive software licensing solutions for educational institutions.
• Open Value Subscription Agreement for Education Solutions (OVS-ES): This agreement provides a subscription-based licensing model for educational institutions, allowing for greater flexibility.
• Campus Agreement and School Agreement: These agreements are designed for educational institutions and provide discounted access to Microsoft software and services.

Institutions interested in joining Azure Dev Tools for Teaching must work with their Microsoft representative to complete the enrollment process. Once enrolled, the institution can provide students and faculty access to the software and tools.

Program Benefits

The Azure Dev Tools for Teaching program offers many benefits for both institutions and students. It enhances the learning experience and prepares students for successful careers in technology.

Educational Value

• Access to Professional Tools: Students gain access to professional-grade development tools commonly used in industry. These tools prepare them for software development, IT, and engineering careers and help them acquire highly demanded-skills in the job market.
• Hands-on Experience: The tools provided enable students to develop hands-on skills in real-world programming and IT management. Examples include building cloud-based applications, managing databases, and working with virtual environments. Hands-on experience is a critical component of learning, as it helps students retain information and understand the practical implications of their studies.
• Support for Curriculum Development: Faculty members can incorporate Microsoft tools into their curriculum, enhancing the practical aspects of learning and providing relevant industry context. They can also design lab exercises, projects, and assessments that require students to use these tools, ensuring that the learning experience is comprehensive and practical.

Institutional Benefits

• Simplified Software Distribution: Institutions do not need to manage their software distribution systems, as everything can be handled centrally through the Azure Education Hub. This reduces the burden on IT staff and ensures that students and faculty have timely access to the necessary tools.
• Centralized License Management: The Azure Education Hub offers centralized license management, making it easy for administrators to manage access and track usage. This helps institutions ensure they remain compliant with Microsoft’s licensing policies and that all eligible users can access the necessary resources.
• Access to Resources: The program also provides access to Microsoft’s training materials and learning resources, which can be valuable for students and instructors. These resources include tutorials, documentation, and community forums that help users get the most out of the tools provided.

Geographic Availability

Azure Dev Tools for Teaching is available in over 140 countries where Azure is commercially available. The Azure Education Hub supports multiple languages to ensure accessibility for diverse users worldwide.

Supported Languages Include:

• English
• Arabic
• Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
• French
• German
• Japanese
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Russian

This broad availability ensures that students and institutions globally can benefit from the program’s offerings.

Microsoft has made significant efforts to localize the Azure Education Hub, supporting multiple languages and making the program accessible to non-English speakers.

This helps ensure that the program’s benefits reach as many students as possible, regardless of their geographic location or native language.

Renewal and Management

Azure Dev Tools for Teaching requires ongoing management to ensure continued access and proper license use. Proper renewal and management practices are essential to avoid service disruptions and to ensure that students and faculty continue to have access to the tools they need.

Subscription Management

• Renewal Notifications: Institutions will receive renewal notifications 60 days before the subscription expires, providing sufficient time to renew and prevent service interruption. These notifications help administrators stay ahead of renewal deadlines, ensuring that access is maintained without interruption.
• Manual Renewal: The subscription requires manual renewal; no automatic renewal process is available. Administrators must ensure they complete the renewal process on time to avoid lapses in access.
• Management Portal: Administrators can view and manage subscription status through the management portal, which helps keep track of access and any changes needed. The portal provides a comprehensive overview of license usage, subscription status, and other important metrics.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Managing Software Access: Admins must manage software distribution to ensure students have appropriate access. This includes adding new students to the system, removing students no longer eligible, and ensuring that all licenses are properly assigned.
• Monitoring Usage Compliance: Compliance with the licensing terms is crucial, particularly regarding restrictions on commercial use and ensuring that software is used only for educational purposes. Administrators are responsible for monitoring usage and ensuring students and faculty adhere to the agreement’s terms.
• License Allocation: Admins ensure licenses are properly allocated to students and faculty. This includes managing license counts, ensuring that all eligible users have access, and making adjustments as needed to accommodate changes in enrollment or staffing.

Read how to qualify for Microsoft Academic Discounts.

FAQ: Azure Dev Tools for Teaching Licensing

What are Azure Dev Tools for Teaching? The Microsoft program offers software, services, and tools to students and educators for learning and research purposes.

Who is eligible to use Azure Dev Tools for Teaching? Students, educators, and institutions with valid educational credentials are eligible for access.

What software is included in Azure Dev Tools for Teaching? It includes developer tools such as Visual Studio, SQL Server, and Windows Server for non-commercial use.

How can I access Azure Dev Tools for Teaching? You can access it using a verified Microsoft account tied to an educational institution.

Is Azure credit included with Azure Dev Tools for Teaching? Azure credits are not provided as part of Azure Dev Tools for Teaching.

Can I use the tools for commercial projects? No, the tools provided are strictly for educational and research purposes, not for commercial use.

Do institutions need to register for Azure Dev Tools for Teaching? The institution must have an active subscription to make the tools available to its students and staff.

Can students install software on personal devices? Students can download and install the available software on their devices for learning.

Is there a cost to access Azure Dev Tools for Teaching? No, eligible students and staff can access the software without cost.

Can faculty use Azure Dev Tools for curriculum development? Faculty members can use the tools to create and prepare course materials.

How does licensing work for Azure Dev Tools for Teaching? Licenses are provided for individual educational use, tied to the user’s Microsoft account.

What happens to access after a student graduates? Access is revoked once the student is no longer enrolled in the educational institution.

How can faculty ensure students have access? Faculty can verify that their institution has an active Azure Dev Tools for Teaching subscription and guide students in setting up their Microsoft accounts.

Are there any geographic restrictions? Depending on Microsoft’s availability and local regulations, access may be restricted in certain regions.

How is Azure Dev Tools for Teaching different from other programs? It is specifically tailored for educational institutions and students, providing free access to software typically used for learning rather than commercial purposes.