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Microsoft is getting into the software subscription model. Remember Office 365? You don't own a copy of Office, you only rent it per year and when updates come
by orionblastar 12y ago
Microsoft is getting into the software subscription model.
Remember Office 365? You don't own a copy of Office, you only rent it per year and when updates come out you get the updates as long as you keep paying.
Windows 10 is going to be a software subscription model. They'll most likely have a free upgrade version but it is limited in features. If you want more features you will have to buy a subscription.
They already announced a Windows 10.1 codenamed Redstone. So each Windows update will have a 10 in front of it for now on. Will Microsoft charge for upgrading to 10.1? Who knows? Instead of service packs, they just do what Apple does and add a new number after the 10 and call in a minor version or whatever.
I got a feeling pirated Windows users will get a free update that is basically a Starter Edition with limits on it, and they have to buy a subscription to get out of the limited version.
- diminoten 12y agoIt's much more likely they'll follow the OS X model of free updates forever, once you buy the OS.
- orionblastar 12y agoApple bundles the OS with the hardware. Once you buy a Mac, you get free OSX updates until they no longer support your model for the new OSX versions. The cost of OSX is bundled in the price of the Mac, which is why Macs cost more than PCs. Microsoft cannot do that because OEMs sell PCs and bundle Windows with it. A totally different business model than Apple has. Steve Ballmer tried to copy the Apple Business Model with Surface Tablets and the Microsoft Store, and he failed.
- wvenable 12y agoI don't see it as totally different. The vast majority of Windows users get their license with their PC purchase. That's where Microsoft makes the bulk of their money. I suspect most users never upgrade from that version unless they buy a new PC. So giving free upgrades is not a big loss for Microsoft; it was never a big income generator.
- orionblastar 12y agoNew Upgrades usually cost between $40 and $100 for the upgrade DVD. I bought Windows 8 Pro upgrade for $40 when it came out. Microsoft might give Windows 10 out for free to make money on the Windows Store that sells apps, movies, music, and other things.
- wvenable 12y agoI've paid money for Windows updates as well but I know I'm in the minority. The vast majority of consumers don't do it. The vast majority of businesses have their own licensing agreements.
- orionblastar 12y agoWhich is why the Enterprise editions are not eligible for free upgrades to Windows 10. They want businesses to do their licensing directly with Microsoft.