I manage a small department of developers and testers. I want to acquire an MSDN subscription for each of the developers so at the very least I need an MSDN Professional subscription but I would like to get the Team edition of Visual Studio. What I am uncertain of is if I get the team suite, does it include the team foundation server or do we have to purchase the Team Foundation Server seperately
Also, all three developers are on equal level with each other in performing all functions of an architect, developer and DBA. What should I get then The Architect, Developer or database version of Visual studio should I get for them
Furthermore, even though the team suite has three VS editions, I assume they are all licensed to just one individual in which case I would still have to purchase two more VS Architect or Developer editions. Is that correct
Lastly, the testers all work from home with VPN connections but they are basic testers with no programming skills so the only thing I really need from Team edition for them is the ability to enter and track bugs. Do they have to have Visual Studio to do that
Thanks,
Darwin
Confused by subscription options
Jocker23
Since all three developers work as architect, DBA and developer at the same time, your best choice would be to buy three Team Suites. Team Suite contains all the functionalities from all the four editions.
Team Suite by itself doesn't contain a Team Foundation Server license. If there are not more than five team members you could use TFS's Workgroup edition which is free. Otherwise you'll need to buy the server.
The testers will need either Team Test Edition or a CAL (the license to access the TFS; included in each Team Edition implicitly) +some other software to access the server (either custom or third party).
Hope this answers your questions.
Ognjen, VSTS MVP