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Microsoft to Sell Outlook Subscription Service

An anonymous contributor writes "Boston.com is reporting that Microsoft will begin selling Outlook as a subscription service to compete with add-on services provided by Yahoo and Google. 'The new service, which costs $59.95 per year, will let people organize e-mail, contact lists and calendars in their online Hotmail accounts using the Microsoft Outlook program most often found on businesses' desktop computers.' I can't see many users paying for this service. Most Hotmail users use it because it is free, or they don't know about the alternatives. Paying for access via Outlook doesn't seem to fit with that market segment."

13 of 360 comments (clear)

  1. Also offering Outlook Express - they'll pay you! by Brento · · Score: 4, Funny

    In related news, FlyByNight Inc has announced that it will begin offering Outlook Express in a new reverse-subscription method. "We'll give users $59.95 per year to use this email program without antivirus software. Just install it, and we'll put your check in the mail right away," FlyByNight's Vice President of Public Relations, I. 0wnzJ00 explained.

    Steve Ballmer initially acknowledged FlyByNight's efforts, stating, "We haven't been able to give it away - we bundled it with Windows, and people go out of their way to uninstall Outlook Express. We applaud FlyByNight's new distribution methods."

    --
    What's your damage, Heather?
  2. Great.... by rovingeyes · · Score: 2, Funny

    Now I can pay for worms and viruses!

  3. Microsoft by Kipsaysso · · Score: 1, Funny

    Now with more money because you don't know better.

    --
    This is another way of starting a sig with this and ending it with that.
  4. They also offer cafeteria pricing by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    For just $5.95 per year you can purchase the blue screen portion of the service. For 19.95 per year, you get both the blue screen and clippy portion of the service.

  5. That's the Way by TychoCelchuuu · · Score: 3, Funny

    Uh oh! Firefox is getting more popular! Thunderbird is becoming a viable email client! You're losing ground! What do you do? Quick, think! I've got it! Charge people yearly for stuff you didn't used to!

    --
    Against stupidity the Gods themselves contend in vain.
  6. Re:TFA Article Says by deadlinegrunt · · Score: 2, Funny

    TFA also says and more telling as well as supportive of your comment:
    Microsoft's Web site sells Outlook as a stand-alone product for $109. This is the first time Microsoft has offered any of its Office products on a subscription basis.

    Trully innovative that company is. I mean this new "vision" they have is, like, so 70's.

    --
    BSD is designed. Linux is grown. C++ libs
  7. Re:This makes no sense - who's gonna go for it? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    use my current version of outlook now, for free

    Some people actually pay for their software.

  8. Hotmail respect by gaber1187 · · Score: 5, Funny
    There is a certain level of respect I get from having a hotmail account.

    People see surfrdood344@hotmail.com on my resume and say, "this guy means business"...

    being able to have easier access to my hotmail account? priceless...

  9. in other news... by DeusExMalex · · Score: 2, Funny
    Tom: for a special one-time fee of $200, a group calling themselves the "Bandwagon of Stupidity" is offering to shoot you in the head. for all of you considering Microsoft's Outlook subscription, this might just be the deal you're looking for, right Diane?

    Diane: right you are, Tom. i know several have "jumped on the Bandwagon", already.

    Tom: nice contribution, Diane.

    Diane: and you're a piece of trash, Tom.

  10. The cycle is complete by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Kick ass.
    Now I can pay a yearly fee to Microsoft get the viruses that I am paying a yearly fee to Symantec to get rid of.

  11. Re:Pay to use?! by lucabrasi999 · · Score: 5, Funny
    I have 4 invites

    Gmail Invites? Surely, you can't be serious. Next thing you know, somebody will offer us Free iPods!

  12. Re:attractive service? by lucabrasi999 · · Score: 1, Funny
    gmail is converting mail to the new paradigm

    You actually used the word "Paradigm"? Let me guess, you are a Change Management Consultant.

  13. Re:attractive service? by the_mad_poster · · Score: 5, Funny

    You're either with the Change Management Consultants, or you're with the terrorists.

    --
    Alito: A vote for Alito is a punch in the eye to put that bitch back in her place!