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Short Notice: LogMeIn To Discontinue Free Access
An anonymous reader writes "The remote desktop service LogMeIn sent an email to its users today notifying them that 'LogMeIn Free' will be discontinued — as of today. This is a major shock with minimal warning to the millions of users who have come to rely on their service, made all the more surprising by the fact that 'consensus revenue estimates for LogMeIn in 2014 are $190.3 million,' suggesting that their system of providing both free and paid accounts for what is ultimately a straightforward service that could be duplicated for well under $1 million was already doing quite well." Asks reader k280: "What alternative tools are available for free, and how do they compare to LogMeIn?"
Of course. For me it works. If you read further on, I mentioned the non-IT option.
Ahhh...the great dumpster continuum. Many a free computer will be found there. -- sowth (748135)
No, but we're on slashdot. Where a nerd is still allowed to be a nerd. You can bet your ass that I'm not the only one doing exactly this.
Ahhh...the great dumpster continuum. Many a free computer will be found there. -- sowth (748135)
Logmein loses 99% of their user base. :)
made all the more surprising by the fact that 'consensus revenue estimates for LogMeIn in 2014 are $190.3 million,' suggesting that their system of providing both free and paid accounts for what is ultimately a straightforward service that could be duplicated for well under $1 million was already doing quite well.
Why is it surprising that a company might want to do better than "quite well" when it sees the opportunity?
Also:
what is ultimately a straightforward service that could be duplicated for well under $1 million
Go on then. Or was that number just pulled out of someone's behind?
systemd is Roko's Basilisk.
There is no automatic method of cancelling your account. You have to call the tech support line at https://secure.logmein.com/con... for your locale. All you can do on the site is delete the computers on your account. As of this post, I cannot get through to the US & Canada line, just getting a busy signal. Apparently I'm not the only one following this route. As has been mentioned in other posts there are plenty of free options out there capable of the same features that a free LogMeIn account was capable of doing.
I use logmein for the same purpose, and I must say I might have considered signing up for pro, but the zero-notice cancellation of the free account has left a major bad taste in my mouth. It's a pretty blatant attempt to rush people into signing up for the paid program, because hey, give people a month's notice to evaluate alternatives and the might find something else they like. For that reason, there is zero chance I'll sign up for logmein pro.
Oh no... it's the future.
Funny thing is, as an admin, I've steered a few clients toward paid subscriptions to LogMeIn, specifically because their free service was so good. By using it personally, I was aware of their features and updates, without needing to spend even more time researching. That's not going to happen any more. Now when I need a remote-control system for Windows beyond basic RDP, they'll get the same examination as their competitors. By getting rid of the "leeches", they also lost a competitive advantage.
actually learn how to do for yourself
I've already learned how to shovel my driveway, but I still chose to buy a snowblower.
You do not have a moral or legal right to do absolutely anything you want.