The transition from "slow-down in working age population" to "subscription model" appears a bit drastic. Both are huge topics, but could be slightly unrelated.

The transition from "slow-down in working age population" to "subscription model" appears a bit drastic. Both are huge topics, but could be slightly unrelated. Population growth stagnation may not be the major driver for subscription model. It is just a new way to to increase the cost of product and spread the cost in time so that it doesn't hurt the customer. Same as buying stuff on loan. You can buy a car or home with almost zero down payment and keep paying the amount over next 20 years. It is essentially paying for usage. You can call it subscription. Outrageously, I find that even education/training also moved to subscription model. You keep taking the same exam every few years and keep paying them.