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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."
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?
Now I can pay for worms and viruses!
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.
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.
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
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...
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.
Gmail Invites? Surely, you can't be serious. Next thing you know, somebody will offer us Free iPods!
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