Software subscriptions: progressive or premature?

Office News - Software subscriptions: #progressive or #premature?

Like Adobe, we think subscription software-as-a-service is the future. The
benefits to consumers are huge. Subscribers are always up-to-date. They get the
latest and most complete applications. They can use subscriptions across the
multitude of devices people use today. Web services like SkyDrive and
applications like Skype are also more easily integrated with subscription
services, like the new Office 365 Home Premium.

However, unlike Adobe, we think people's shift from packaged software to
subscription services will take time. Within a decade, we think everyone will
choose to subscribe because the benefits are undeniable. In the meantime, we are
committed to offering choice--premier software sold as a package and powerful
services sold as a subscription.

As proof of this point, since the launch of Office 365 Home Premium and Office
365 University in January, more than a quarter of consumers buying Office have
chosen the subscription. This exceeded our expectations, given that software
subscriptions are relatively new to most consumers. So, perhaps the shift is
happening faster than we originally thought, and Adobe is helping blaze the
trail.

 

[pparks1]

Now it is the chromebook thread?

it is when somebody says "nobody wants them".

 

[SIW2]

it is when somebody says "nobody wants them"

That's obviously unicorns - "somebody" has to be Cokie, then.

 

[Coke Robot]

LOL.

I think you missed the point.

Look at this question:

Shall I beat you now, or shall I beat you later?

Now look at this :

Software subscriptions: progressive or premature?

They are examples of what is commonly called a loaded question.

They presuppose something. The idea is to restrict replies to those which fit the questioner's agenda.

Then what's your answer to that question?

 

[Coke Robot]

it is when somebody says "nobody wants them"

That's obviously unicorns - "somebody" has to be Cokie, then.

I believe that's actually the rest of society considering they've been out for like what, since 2010? It's been found that Windows RT has outsold chromebooks.

Seriously, google's adverts for the chromebook look like they only cost 250 dollars. They're just random youtube video clips of people using a laptop it seems with large bold colored text saying ultimately, "For everyone." False, I cannot convert FLAC to WMA with that. So it is not for me.

 

[XweAponX]

Now it is the chromebook thread?

Not at all it's a thred "aboot" Dumb Terminal Programs and OS's - If Chrome OS is one, I wanna see it.

I could not get the Haxxo guys Thumb driver version to start at all, I used a SUXE? SUSe version, looks nice, but it did nto see my wifi card, so I could not try out any of the offered apps.

 

[pparks1]

Seriously, google's adverts for the chromebook look like they only cost 250 dollars. They're just random youtube video clips of people using a laptop it seems with large bold colored text saying ultimately, "For everyone." False, I cannot convert FLAC to WMA with that. So it is not for me.

No, they don't do everything. But for $250, for me, they do more than enough. Full size keyboard and decent touchpad. Long battery life, matte finish screen, USB 3.0, HDMI output, and an OS that doesn't require any housekeeping, and doesn't get viruses, malware and spyware...which can be reset in under 30 seconds to factory defaults is just perfect. My kids can surf and surf and surf and nothing bad happens, nothing gets installed, etc.

 

[labeeman]

[h=1]Backlash begins against Adobe's subscription-only plan[/h]

Computerworld - A petition on Change.org demanding that Adobe back away from its subscription-only model for its creativity software, including Photoshop, has collected over 4,400 signatures by late Thursday.
And those thousands of customers were unhappy at Adobe for pushing them toward subscriptions. Very unhappy.
"Paying Adobe rent for the rest of my life is absurd," said Nick Scott, who left a comment on the petition's page. "I'll definitely be looking elsewhere next time I need to upgrade."

Backlash begins against Adobe's subscription-only plan - Computerworld

 

[phillipduran]

Pure unbridled greed. I think tho most companies will fail at this, as other co's will offer traditional ownable softwares and people will flock to that.

That's the truth right there. This is about bringing the customers wallet back to the table to extract more cash out of it.

I'm still on Office 2003 with several computers as well as XP. I've gotten my moneys worth out of them and it can be looked at as an excellent investment.

I also drive a 1998 car and I haven't had a car payment for a very long time. I would hate if there was no way to own a car and you would be forever leasing. People would quickly see that not having that option would be a bad idea. There are benefits to refreshing your product and getting what is new, but for some, sticking with the old paid for product works just fine and saves you money.

 

[labeeman]

Pure unbridled greed. I think tho most companies will fail at this, as other co's will offer traditional ownable softwares and people will flock to that.

That's the truth right there. This is about bringing the customers wallet back to the table to extract more cash out of it.

I'm still on Office 2003 with several computers as well as XP. I've gotten my moneys worth out of them and it can be looked at as an excellent investment.

I also drive a 1998 car and I haven't had a car payment for a very long time. I would hate if there was no way to own a car and you would be forever leasing. People would quickly see that not having that option would be a bad idea. There are benefits to refreshing your product and getting what is new, but for some, sticking with the old paid for product works just fine and saves you money.

To add to that you do not have to relearn how to use it again by sticking to the old tried and true.

 

[McRuff]

Office News - Software subscriptions: #progressive or #premature?

Like Adobe, we think subscription software-as-a-service is the future. The
benefits to consumers are huge.

I don't know about that. The subscription model can work out very expensive. Especially if you need to do any commercial work at home. As I am self employed and have 3 computers. One is used for business. As basically I only use Excel and Word I would need one Office Home & Business license and 2 Home & Student.

If I buy them as individual licenses the cost to me is $722.84
The subscription cost per year is $394.08.

Between now and the year 2020 (when my current Office 2010 stops receiving updates)
The purchased Office 2013 would have cost $722.84
The subscription model would cost $2758.56.

The only consumers I can think of that are benefiting are the ones that own Microsoft shares.

 

[SIW2]

MS are doing it to make more money.

That money has to come from the users.

"The move to subscriptions just drives a bigger and bigger and bigger recurring revenue stream," said Mark Garrett, Adobe's CFO, during the presentation to analysts.

 

[Golden]

In two years at 50 dollars a month, it's roughly the same price as buying the CS 6 Suite straight up.

Except that after two years, once you stop paying, you no longer have the software available for use.....unlike purchasing it straight up.

You need to give more thought to equating subscription and wholesale pricing.

 

[SIW2]

A bit like buying on Hire Purchase - except at least you get to keep the thing after you have eventually paid several times the straight purchase price.

There are a few exceptions it may work for. For the vast majority, it is a mug's game.

Adobe and MS are not doing it to make less money.