Our team is interested in pursuing the development for SL4 with Blend 4. But the sales model from MS is such that we have to buy Expression Studio Ultimate 4 for $599 per license. That’s a bull crap. We don’t care about Expression Web or SuperPreview or Encoder or Design. Give me freaking only Blend + Sketchflow.

Why can’t I just buy that for cheaper? Why, time to time, MS does this to the developers? You can buy MS Word without buying the whole slew of MS Office then why can’t I do the same with Blend 4?

Moreover, the upgrade price is $349 if you own “retail” version of Expression Studio 3, that’s another crap. We had MSDN subscriptions 1-2 years ago for Expression Studio 3 but that’s not eligible for upgrade.

Does anyone know if there’s a workaround to get license for Blend 4 + Sketchflow and not have to pay $599 per license?

2 Comments

• Greg Brewer said Sunday, July 4, 2010 8:43:47 PM

  You could join the Microsoft Partner program and order the Microsoft Action Pack Development and Design Subscription download-only version costs $429. It includes Internal-use, full versions of the latest Microsoft desktop and server software. You can choose to download your software only or choose to receive a combination of digital and physical media throughout your subscription period. However, at this time you cannot change how you receive your software benefits during your subscription period. Learn about distribution options. Three MSDN for Microsoft Action Pack Development and Design subscriptions that provide access to the latest versions of the Microsoft Visual Studio Professional development system, Microsoft Expression Web design software, the Windows and Windows Server operating systems, and Microsoft SQL Server database software for development and testing. Ten hours of phone-based technical design and development support. Access to quarterly recorded technical support Web seminars (webinars). Connection to qualified students to find next-generation talent. Technical and sales training focused on development and design. Access to community peer groups. Visibility in Microsoft customer directories.

• Robert said Friday, July 9, 2010 5:52:32 PM

  Except that Blend specifically doesn't seem to be included in the Action Pack subscription, so that won't help him much.