Re: [libreoffice-users] Re: MS raised prices so people will now start renting their office products instead

On 10/03/2012 11:28 AM, Chad Homan wrote:
> I should be following this tread more closely.  But does anyone have links
> to any M$ sites
> that spell out the details of the "rentals"?  Also, what happens to people
> using older versions
> of office (like officeXP, etc).  Will they roll forward into this pricing
> model?  When does this
> take affect?
>
> Join The RVLution <http://www.monavie.com/rvlution>- Together We Win!
> --
> Chad - I AM MONAVIE
> Creating A More Meaningful Life
Chad

Older versions, as I understand, are not affected only the next version
and forward are included. If you want the latest features in MSO you
will be paying rent but if the older versions still meet your needs then
the only reason to consider an upgrade or new office suite is that it is
no longer supported.

One commenter noted that most SOHO users do not need the collaboration
features in MSO (or any office suite). Also, I am not sure that many of
the collaboration features are used extensively in large organizations.
Its not that the features are bad but how important are they to many, if
not most users.

The issue for many commercial software vendors is how to get people to
buy a new version (or pay for services) when the old version is more
than adequate. MS' business model dates from the 1980's but when one can
find a FOSS equivalent or an older version that will meet most user
needs they have a problem with how to keep customers buying a new
release. Many, like MS, are turning to a rental (SaaS) model to keep
income levels. This will probably work in the near term but long term I
am dubious, there are many commercial and technical issues with the
model; at least two dissertations.

-- 
Jay Lozier
jslozier@gmail.com


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