Overview
The MVP Source Licensing Program (MVPSLP) recognizes some of the most valuable
individuals within the Microsoft platforms community, by giving them the opportunity
to differentiate themselves professionally as Windows-platforms experts through access to Microsoft Windows Shared Source access. The source code is provided at no cost to the MVP and covers Microsoft
Windows family of products, both client and server (all released versions, service packs, and subsequent releases).
Program Criteria
MVPs remaining in good standing are eligible for this program regardless of
awarded competency. The MVPSLP is currently available to MVPs in 34 geographic markets.
Benefits
Resources such as MSDN, TechNet, and the Platform SDK provide the necessary
information and tools to develop and support great solutions for Windows.
Access to Microsoft source code through the MVPSLP enhances those resources by:
Empowering MVPs by strengthening their ties to the broader Windows-platform community.
Increasing overall trust of the Windows platform through greater transparency of the source code with a highly-qualified community.
Opening a deeper level of technical information to answer questions concerning custom application development and testing.
Promoting the Microsoft MVP community as industry experts on the Windows platform, leading to greater individual professional opportunity.
Improving the feedback mechanisms that ultimately contribute to the development of better customer-solutions and tools for the future.
Program Details
The MVP Source Licensing Program, Microsoft's Most Valuable Professional (MVPs) provides a mechanism for delivering source code for released versions and service packs of the Windows products (client and server).
Products Include
Both x86 and IA64 builds for Windows.
Service packs and other releases.
The source code does not include any third-party code that Microsoft does not have the rights to distribute.
Use and Restrictions
Licensees may read and reference the source code but may not create derivative works.
Eligibility reviewed annually.
MVPs may access source code for the sole purpose of providing support services.
Source code may not be used to assist with the development of a commercially distributed product.
Eligibility Requirements
Maintain status as a Microsoft MVP in good standing.
Reside in an eligible geographic market.
Be 18 years of age or older.
Sign the Master Source Code Agreement and the License Form.
Fulfillment
MVPs may register for the program by completing the online survey posted on the MVP Web site.
After the appropriate licensing documents are signed, the MVP will gain access to the code through the Code Center Premium secure Web site.
All source code is provided by Microsoft through Code Center Premium.
Code Center Premium provides just-in-time access and the ability to browse, search, and reference Microsoft Windows source code through a smart card-based Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) connection.
MVP Commitment
In exchange for obtaining access to one of Microsoft's most valuable assets, Microsoft requests that the MVP
respects confidentiality of the intellectual property.
Questions
Additional information about the Microsoft MVP Program is available on the MVP Web site and in the MVP FAQ.
If you have any questions regarding the MVPSLP or the Shared Source Initiative, please contact the Shared Source Initiative team.