Microsoft continues to offer free Internal Usage Rights program after outcry

Microsoft is not going to ask partners for money for the license of services and software. The company is backing down on its controversial decision to lift the Internal Usage Rights program after many developers complained.

Microsoft initially planned to stop offering Internal Usage Rights for free, one of the key benefits of the Microsoft Partner Network, effective July 1, next year. The IURs allowed developers to make free use of Microsoft tools and hardware, such as server space and computing power. Microsoft said it would stop the program because the company had to cut spending. According to ZDnet, the program would cost $200 million per year. The company also said that the program, which was introduced at the turn of the century, is no longer relevant in the modern computing world.

The decision sparked a stir among developers. They would suddenly have to pay thousands of euros for licenses. The company is now reversing the decision and will continue to offer the program at least for the time being. “Given your feedback, we have decided to reverse this decision,” Microsoft wrote in a blog post. “Therefore, partners will not see any changes in the coming fiscal year, and Internal Usage Rights will not be reduced.”