We are expanding the Windows Azure MSDN benefit to two additional subscription levels: MSDN Platforms and Visual Studio Test Professional with MSDN. MSDN Platforms subscribers will receive a $100 monthly credit, while Visual Studio Test Professional with MSDN subscribers will receive a $50 credit per month. Plus, subscribers will receive a $200 USD Windows Azure credit the first month they use their Windows Azure MSDN benefit, The benefit will work the same way as for other MSDN subscription levels:

• Subscribers can use their monthly credit for whatever Windows Azure service they want for development and test, including Virtual Machines (VMs), Web Sites, Cloud Services, Mobile Services, Storage, SQL Database, Content Delivery Network, HDInsight, Media Services, and more.
• Access to preconfigured virtual machine images with MSDN subscription software, such as SQL Server and BizTalk Server.  Alternatively, subscribers can upload their own virtual machine with their MSDN software.
• Lower rates: Your Windows Azure MSDN benefits go further with services charged at lower rates. Check out the Azure website for more info: http://www.windowsazure.com/en-us/pricing/member-offers/msdn-benefits/

And don’t forget the Aston Martin contest that Scott Guthrie announced at TechEd.  MSDN subscribers that have an active subscription before June 2, 2013 and activate their Windows Azure MSDN benefit and deploy a website or virtual machine by September 30, 2013 are eligible to win an Aston Martin V8 Vantage (or cash equivalent).  Activating is simple and does not require a credit card in most countries.  More details on the contest and eligibility are here: https://aka.ms/activatemyazure. Check it out!

Brian