What's the cheapest way to get a Visual Studio 2008 Standard Edition license?

Question

I know I can purchase it for $299.00, but my primary reason for upgrading from the Express version is I want to be able to use ReSharper, which is an additional expense. Are there any ways I can get a VS copy for less than off-the-shelf price? Any special programs I can join, or is there a special "developer" version :) (kind of redundant, I know)

Answer 1

The Microsoft currently has time limited action where it is possible to buy the Visual Studio 2008 (both Standard and Pro) at upgrade price ($199 for standard) even when upgrading from the Express editions or even free tools such as Eclipse. See the section "Before you buy" on this page. However it is possible that this is limited to some regions.