Microsoft Testing "Pay-As-You-Go" Software

[w1z4rd]

"Microsoft has quietly rolled out a pay-as-you-go software system in a few countries (South Africa, Mexico, and Romania) to test out how the public reacts to software rentals. Part of the current service includes a ~$15 fee per month to use Office 2003. If the service goes over well, Microsoft is considering extending the program to include other software or other countries. From the article: 'Are we moving towards a rental model for software? Despite the success of programs like Software Assurance, and the FlexGo program, it doesn't seem as if the traditional model of software sales is ever going to go away. Consumers still like the option of buying complete software packages. However, for places where the price of software keeps obtaining legitimate versions out of most people's reach, a rental program may be a useful alternative.'"

http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/02/23/187221

You would have to be a special type of dumb to do this. I see we made the list.

 

[m0zy]

What's next? Prepaid software?

 

[Abe]

What's next? Prepaid software?

No, pay per use. "You use our software for 6 hours per day so you have to pay $135 per month or we don't give you access to your documents".

 

[hj2k_x]

i am speechless.

 

[EchoZA]

See what happens when Microsoft sits round a table with TELKOM!!! The general public ends up getting screwed!!!

 

[hj2k_x]

This must be the worst idea I have heard in ages.

 

[krycor]

Thats ~R105 per month. hrm. but do they give you the program or just a web version? if so then in 3yrs its like R3780.. hrm if its a lightweight program then it not worth it but if its the whole thing and considering its kept updated.. then again could just get it from shady palms..

 

[hj2k_x]

I don't care what it is. That is just a ridiculous notion either way.

 

[Nod]

It means, that will need a permanent internet connection, otherwise your software will not function (or not for long). This will have to be added to the price per month. You would probably be better of to borrow money from the bank, to buy the real thing, and pay it off over a year.

 

[TheREV]

Or use Open Source Software.

 

[mh348]

Google offers free Word processing and spreadsheet online,

 

[antowan]

ROFL, now this will only boost Open Source. Silly move Microsfot. Who is the dumbass that thought this one up?

 

[w1z4rd]

I think MS are thinking that South Africans are stupid enough to accept pay as you bandwidth, they will be dumb enough to accept this.

 

[The_Unbeliever]

Erm... and who will be able to view your documents?

Will they "lock" your documents until you pay them?