Microsoft's free software service for college students gets a new name

Microsoft has announced it is rebranding its DreamSpark program, which offers qualified college students free software and tools. The new name is Microsoft Imagine, which shares the name of the company's annual Imagine Cup student technology competition.

In a blog post (via Winbeta), Microsoft stated:

By the end of Q1 FY17, the DreamSpark name will be retired. However, the program benefits will live on as part of the Microsoft Imagine program. No changes have been made to the benefits.

The blog post adds that while school program admins will not see any pricing or benefits changes with the new Microsoft Imagine name, they will get a new user interface that is supposed to allow for easier access to their accounts and to set up their school's web stores. The program was first announced in 2008 and currently offers free software and services to 35 million college students worldwide.

John Callaham