title: MSDN Subscriber Benefits - Visual Studio Professional
body: <p>I need to test some software bespoke software out, which I have created, for a client.</p>
  
  <p>I need to make sure that it works on Server 2016 Data Center.</p>
  
  <p>I am happy to subscribe to the Visual Studio Subscription Pro as I notice it has access to Server 2016 as part of the subscriber benefits.</p>
  
  <p>The Software benefits page lists only "Windows Server 2016", So I need to make sure that, as part of that install, I can get my mittens on Data Center 2016.</p>
  
  <p>Secondly, if Data Center 2016 is indeed available, then I need to be able to ensure that all cores are "unlocked" for use. So I think 16 cores is what it is licensed at when you purchase a full license, and then you purchase additional core packs depending on the server. However, If I'm testing, I need to know that it does the job, and need access to ALL cores on the server.</p>
  
  <p>Sorry about the long winded explanation, but it boils down to the following:</p>
  
  <p>1) Does the Visual Studio Pro Subscription give me access to Server 2016 Data Center edition?</p>
  
  <p>2) Does this give me access to all cores on the machine?</p>
  
  <p>3) Is the license key provided perpetual?. I need to know my lab rig just won't "shut off"/deactivate/become a brick</p>
  
  <p>NB - I contacted Microsoft and was shuffled around to about 8 different people, from pre-sales, tech support, professional support, none of whom could answer my question.</p>
  
  <p>Cheers,</p>
  
  <p>Chud</p>