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Apple Offers Three-Year Upgrade Plan for Server

Posted by pudge on from the but-all-software-should-be-free-man dept.

davidstrauss writes "News.com is reporting that 'Apple Computer is giving buyers of its Mac OS X Server the option of signing on for three years of unlimited access to software upgrades for the same price it charges for a single, onetime upgrade.' This sounds almost like a push in the direction of Microsoft's Licensing 6."

3 of 14 comments (clear)

  1. I agree by ekrout · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Apple Maintenance Program for Mac OS X Server...I think the Apple folks need to start realizing that, with Mac OS X, they now have a whole new "type" of user. These new Mac zealots are often scientists, engineers, and your run-of-the-mill computer geek, all of whom are accustomed to frequently updating their software (and hardware, in some cases) to the very latest that's available.

    Apple will quickly upset their new (and some old) users if they continue to charge another $100.00 or so every few months with each new 10.x release of OS X.

    Perhaps it could be called a "power-user" program (rather than "maintenence"), but would provide an all-access "ticket" to ftp.apple.com (or a Windows Update-like Web script).

    --

    If you celebrate Xmas, befriend me (538
  2. NOT like Licensing 6 by Ster · · Score: 5, Informative

    Licensing 6 requires an annual fee, which is a percentage of the original purchase price. That's on top of the price for the original software.

    Original 10-User Win2k Server: 1199
    Three-year licensing agreement: (1199 * 29%) * 3 years = 1043.13

    This is different: instead of one upgrade, you get all upgrades for the next three years at no additional cost.

    Original 10-User OS X Server: 499
    Three-year Upgrade plan: 499

    -Ster

  3. It is available for normal Mac OS X... by daveschroeder · · Score: 5, Interesting

    3 year maintenance is indeed available on Mac OS X, BUT you need to purchase a minimum of 10 seats. It's right in the software section of the Apple Store. Some institutions, like the University of Wisconsin, participate and pass the program on directly to customers. For example, UW customers can purchase a 3-year subscription, which entitles the purchaser to the latest version of Mac OS X for the term, for $95: http://www.wisc.edu/wisc/products/apple_mac_osX_de pt.html