Register for the “Hero’s happen here” launch event, and Microsoft is giving away free copies of Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, and Visual Studio 2008!
Find out if your City or Country is hosting an event quick! http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx
I’m going for the launch event, but keep in mind you have another option to get everything CHEAP: a Technet Direct Plus subscriber, I get nearly all Microsoft software and beta including Server, Exchange, Sharepoint, Vista etc. for $250 a year. The first year cost $350 , but in either case I get two free support calls per year, 10 licenses for nearly every product Microsoft offers. Check out: https://presson.wordpress.com/2007/02/20/cheapest-way-to-get-vista-office-2007/
A Day in the Life of a Presson... 
They distributed Microsoft Server Enterprise 2008, Microsoft Vista, and Visual Studio 2008. SQL Server 2008 was a “time-bomb” copy, only because it was still in beta. All of the other software was full versions.
Microsoft’s support of developers is absolutely amazing. I outline some ways that Microsoft support developers here: http://dangerismymiddlename.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/microsofts-free-as-in-beer-software/
You know, folks sued Microsoft for not sharing better. Now their sharing is so-good, that no other company will ever catch up. This is a case of being careful of what you ask for; where the people asking were Microsoft’s competitors.
Well, you have to read the fine print: these are time bomb copies that expire on June 30, 2008. well, you can always get a technet direct to get them all for $350..
Thanks for the headsup =)
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Fred Reckling
Microsoft Grassroots Manager
http://www.microsoft.com/2008jointlaunch/