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Poll: Software-As-A-Service - Innovation or Exploitation?


Would you pay monthly for software?
No
81.5% (22)
81.5% (22)
Yes, but only for games
18.5% (5)
18.5% (5)
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Khell_Sennet
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 3544
Joined: 25 Jan 2008

Well, well, well. The third horseman of the Internet Apocalypse has struck again. Monthly/annual fees for software has extended from games to business applications, and Microsoft has just announced MS Office's next release will be SAAS. This means that instead of paying once for office, you pay for it every fucking year. Yes it's only $70 a year for basic, but office was only $120, so after the second year you're paying more for it than retail price was. All this for what? Updates? Support? Office was the rare gem of Microsoft, a product that released bug-free and never needed revision. I still don't see any credible advantage between Office 97, 2000, XP, and 2003. I ran my copy of Office 2000 for seven years without complaint... Why should I trade a one-time payment for an annual charge?

My stance is very anti-subscription on software. I'll pay a set price up front, and nothing a month/year. I tried some MMOs, they sure as hell didn't convince me the monthly fees were worth it when Diablo2/LoD never charged a cent for their online service/support and is still going strong eight or so years from launch. But that's just me. What's your take on this?

For the record, my copy of Office refused to reinstall after my Mobo-Blow, and I was stuck with two choices... Buy a new copy Office when I have a legally paid-for copy that's just refusing to work because Microsoft discontinued registration (to force this very choice on users of older versions), or go with freeware software. I went with Open Office, and while I don't like it as much as Office2000, it's FREE! And for FREE, it offers more frequent updates and fixes than MS Office ever will. Oh, I'm still trying to get my old copy of 2000 to work, but I'll be deep in the grave before Microsoft ever sees a dime from me for a new Office suite. Mine would still work just fine if not for their greed, and I can't see them being any more charitable or fair with the subscription software version.

And for those who are curious, the Horsemen of the Internet Apocalypse...
Advertising (pestilence), who rides on a popup horse
Trolling (war), who rides on a flaming horse
Subscription (famine), who rides on a paypal horse
and Censorship (death), who rides on a blurry horse

Silvertounge
Muckraker
Posts: 234
Joined: 17 Jun 2008

Hell no. I payed for it when I purchased it and if they think they're getting more than that they're kidding themselves. Not unless they upgrade it enough to be equal to a new program every time.

Soycopter
Copy Clerk
Posts: 54
Joined: 3 Jul 2008

I dont really use MS office and other things, but that seems like total BS that they dont let you use an old program because they are greedy. Its like "Surrender or die bitch!"

shatnershaman
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 3002
Joined: 8 May 2008

I found Office 2007 a big enough leap to warrant buying it (ribbons ftw) but I will not pay a subscription for anything other than my security software.

John Galt
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 1618
Joined: 29 Dec 2007

Yeah, once more Microsoft has thrown "pleasing the customers" out the window. If it isn't the subscriptions, it's the bizarre choices they make as a business (no 64-bit xp disc? No one wants to buy a whole new computer for that!), or the compatibility issues (Whaddya mean IE7 doesn't work with this ISP? Every other browser runs just fine with it!). If it wasn't for the fact that they've got a near monopoly on things, they'd have gone out of business long ago. There's quite a bit of freeware (or at least third party) software that either matches or exceeds whatever Microsoft churns out. They're rapidly phasing out decent software that works just fine so they can keep yanking customers along on whatever strange dream they have for computing.

/mini_rant

AlphaWolf13
Muckraker
Posts: 320
Joined: 20 Mar 2008

I've said it before...
I'll say it again...

MICROSOFT NEEDS TO DIEEEE

And people wonder why I dislike Microsoft too much...
It's not to hard to figure out why with the crappy Hardware (Xbox 360 failure rates), Software (Vista), and services (Microsoft Gaming.. ShadowRun)...

shatnershaman
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 3002
Joined: 8 May 2008

AlphaWolf13:
I've said it before...
I'll say it again...

MICROSOFT NEEDS TO DIEEEE

And people wonder why I dislike Microsoft too much...
It's not to hard to figure out why with the crappy Hardware (Xbox 360 failure rates), Software (Vista), and services (Microsoft Gaming.. ShadowRun)...

What the hell is wrong with Vista?

HSIAMetalKing
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 1464
Joined: 2 Jan 2008

People pay for Microsoft Office? I always assumed everyone in the world just downloaded the same cracked suite that I did... hrm.

Khell_Sennet
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 3544
Joined: 25 Jan 2008

shatnershaman:
What the hell is wrong with Vista?

Um... Everything.
It's overpriced, it's barely functional and full of bugs, it's a system hog, it doesn't offer anything substantial that Windows XP64 didn't, and you don't have a choice about getting it on a new (non-custom) pc.

shatnershaman
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 3002
Joined: 8 May 2008

Khell_Sennet:

shatnershaman:
What the hell is wrong with Vista?

Um... Everything.
It's overpriced, it's barely functional and full of bugs, it's a system hog, it doesn't offer anything substantial that Windows XP64 didn't, and you don't have a choice about getting it on a new (non-custom) pc.

Barely functions? Full of bugs? Sounds like you've only watched the Mac commercials. I guess you don't like PC games (direct x 10) the system hog is running on my PT4 2.66 with 1.25 GB rsm

Novajam
Press Junketeer
Posts: 472
Joined: 26 Apr 2008

The only thing I think it's worth paying a yearly fee for is internet security software. That's too important to go without and you do get noticeable support (new virus updates, firewall).

In regards to office, I'm still using Office 2000, and it's great. I don't see why you'd need anything newer (unless writing is your job or something like that).

wilsonscrazybed
Red Guard
Posts: 1754
Joined: 16 Dec 2007

Keep the comments in this thread constructive and on topic please.

WlknCntrdiction
Infamous Scribbler
Posts: 619
Joined: 8 May 2008

1: Gain lots of computer wizard friends.
2: Get hold of illegal software.
3: Torrents.
4: Download.
5: ????????
6. Profit?

AlphaWolf13
Muckraker
Posts: 320
Joined: 20 Mar 2008

shatnershaman:

Khell_Sennet:

shatnershaman:
What the hell is wrong with Vista?

Um... Everything.
It's overpriced, it's barely functional and full of bugs, it's a system hog, it doesn't offer anything substantial that Windows XP64 didn't, and you don't have a choice about getting it on a new (non-custom) pc.

Barely functions? Full of bugs? Sounds like you've only watched the Mac commercials. I guess you don't like PC games (direct x 10) the system hog is running on my PT4 2.66 with 1.25 GB rsm

You don't get out much do you?
Look up some Vista problems online, bud.
It's pretty clear after that.

I won't touch Vista, till XP dies.

WlknCntrdiction
Infamous Scribbler
Posts: 619
Joined: 8 May 2008

AlphaWolf13:

shatnershaman:

Khell_Sennet:

shatnershaman:
What the hell is wrong with Vista?

Um... Everything.
It's overpriced, it's barely functional and full of bugs, it's a system hog, it doesn't offer anything substantial that Windows XP64 didn't, and you don't have a choice about getting it on a new (non-custom) pc.

Barely functions? Full of bugs? Sounds like you've only watched the Mac commercials. I guess you don't like PC games (direct x 10) the system hog is running on my PT4 2.66 with 1.25 GB rsm

You don't get out much do you?
Look up some Vista problems online, bud.
It's pretty clear after that.

I won't touch Vista, till XP dies.

Woah woah woah, no need for jabs here mate. Everyone has their experiences.

HSIAMetalKing
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 1464
Joined: 2 Jan 2008

AlphaWolf13:

shatnershaman:

Khell_Sennet:

shatnershaman:
What the hell is wrong with Vista?

Um... Everything.
It's overpriced, it's barely functional and full of bugs, it's a system hog, it doesn't offer anything substantial that Windows XP64 didn't, and you don't have a choice about getting it on a new (non-custom) pc.

Barely functions? Full of bugs? Sounds like you've only watched the Mac commercials. I guess you don't like PC games (direct x 10) the system hog is running on my PT4 2.66 with 1.25 GB rsm

You don't get out much do you?
Look up some Vista problems online, bud.
It's pretty clear after that.

I won't touch Vista, till XP dies.

Not sure what "getting out" has to do with looking up some anti-Vista propaganda online.

The vast majority of that stuff is blown way out of proportion, anyway-- don't believe everything you read on the internets. I use Vista and have never encountered a single problem or glitch.

That said, this thread is going a bit off topic, methinks.

Khell_Sennet
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 3544
Joined: 25 Jan 2008

shatnershaman:
Barely functions? Full of bugs? Sounds like you've only watched the Mac commercials. I guess you don't like PC games (direct x 10) the system hog is running on my PT4 2.66 with 1.25 GB rsm

Oh I like PC gaming just fine. But to me, graphics take a back seat to gameplay, enjoyment, and challenge. F**k directx-10, it's overrated and most games better perform on DX9. Vista sucks, I tried it, I hated, and I won't switch from an OS I like to one I abhor just for graphics I don't care about.

Novajam:
The only thing I think it's worth paying a yearly fee for is internet security software. That's too important to go without and you do get noticeable support (new virus updates, firewall).

Even that I don't pay for. Antivirus software I use AVG-Free, it works just fine with less hassle or system drain than Norton or McAfee. There is nothing on my PC I have to pay yearly or monthly for except the tax software, which MUST be replaced yearly for the new tax tables... At $20 or less a year I can live with that one.

cleverlymadeup
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2026
Joined: 7 Mar 2008

Khell_Sennet:

Even that I don't pay for. Antivirus software I use AVG-Free, it works just fine with less hassle or system drain than Norton or McAfee. There is nothing on my PC I have to pay yearly or monthly for except the tax software, which MUST be replaced yearly for the new tax tables... At $20 or less a year I can live with that one.

the funny part about avg is it finds more stuff than norton and mcafee, unless they've fixed things a lot recently

yeah free as in speech or beer software is always better

software as a service, i don't consider subscription mmo's that because at the end of the day you own your copy of the game, is just a bad idea and will keep failing for a while

fix-the-spade
Pulitzer Laureate
Posts: 974
Joined: 25 Feb 2008

I think monthly/annual subscription charges for software is one of the main causes of piracy. Or rather the steady increase in it...

Who in their right mind would pay every year for something they already bought? If someone tried to get me to pay £1000 to buy my bike again they'd get a black eye, the bike works a hell of a lot better than anything M/Soft ever excreted too.

Unfortunately I think it's here to stay, particularly in the business world M/Soft's grip is so tight they can pretty much push through anything they want. What's the betting that the new office will have no more updates or tech support than the last couple of versions?

cleverlymadeup
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2026
Joined: 7 Mar 2008

fix-the-spade:
I think monthly/annual subscription charges for software is one of the main causes of piracy. Or rather the steady increase in it...

that's a bit of a fallacy, a lot of the time with the subscription based software, they aren't pirating it, they are using a free as in speech or beer alternative but big companies just say ppl are pirating, it's the same type of argument used by the riaa and mpaa

fix-the-spade
Pulitzer Laureate
Posts: 974
Joined: 25 Feb 2008

It may be a bit of a fallacy but it's also a bit true. I don't know a single person in my extended family or friends that has a store bought (or OEM) copy of Office, yet they all have it installed. Maybe I'm just in a dishonest family.

cleverlymadeup
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2026
Joined: 7 Mar 2008

fix-the-spade:
It may be a bit of a fallacy but it's also a bit true. I don't know a single person in my extended family or friends that has a store bought (or OEM) copy of Office, yet they all have it installed. Maybe I'm just in a dishonest family.

office isn't subscription based, it's just way over priced, i run office but i run open office, it's free and does everything office does

over-priced software is the cause of piracy, same with ridiculous authentication schemes. where i used to work they had a product you had install the software and then enter the cd key, once that was done you had to call a toll free number, talk to a rep, give them an install number, they'd take your number and call you back with the correct code 5-30 mins later, the software package cost a couple thousand dollars for it. i would have hired a coder to make that for a lot cheaper, without the hassle of the registration

shatnershaman
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 3002
Joined: 8 May 2008

cleverlymadeup:

fix-the-spade:
It may be a bit of a fallacy but it's also a bit true. I don't know a single person in my extended family or friends that has a store bought (or OEM) copy of Office, yet they all have it installed. Maybe I'm just in a dishonest family.

office isn't subscription based, it's just way over priced, i run office but i run open office, it's free and does everything office does

... Try doing Pivot tables in Open Office Calc.

Kikosemmek
Muckraker
Posts: 252
Joined: 14 Nov 2007

The open-source community shall set you free, my son.

And you _can_ do pivot tables in Open Office Calc.

I'm of the opinion that once I buy something, it is mine and I should be free to do with it whatever I wish, including copying, changing, and redistributing it. I believe that the software patents and copyright laws which prevent the sharing of property hold us back as a species, equating sharing to mooching and generosity to counterfeit. They allow the original sellers to prosper, but take power and liberty away from everyone else.

Today, if you buy a software disk, you're not actually paying money to have it. You're paying money to use it; rent it.

shatnershaman
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 3002
Joined: 8 May 2008

Kikosemmek:
The open-source community shall set you free, my son.
And you _can_ do pivot tables in Open Office Calc.

Gimped Pivot Tables.

Kikosemmek
Muckraker
Posts: 252
Joined: 14 Nov 2007

shatnershaman:
Gimped Pivot Tables.

Works fine for me.

http://openoffice.blogs.com/openoffice/2006/11/data_pilots_in_.html

Not trying to be condescending, or anything, but that might help.

cleverlymadeup
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2026
Joined: 7 Mar 2008

Kikosemmek:

Today, if you buy a software disk, you're not actually paying money to have it. You're paying money to use it; rent it.

actually you can resell it, a few companies have lost lawsuits saying you can't resell their software after you bought it, one just recently happened

 
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