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Microsoft's New Windows Monetization Methods Could Mean 'Subscriptions'

Posted by timothy on from the get-this-free-duffel-bag dept.

SmartAboutThings writes Since the first version of Windows, Microsoft has offered the operating system on a initial fee purchase. But under new management, it seems that this strategy could shift into new monetization methods, a subscription-based model being the most probable one. At the recent Credit Suisse Technology Conference from last week, Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner was speaking (transcript in Microsoft Word format) to investors about the fact that Microsoft is interested in exploring new monetization methods for its Windows line of products. The company might adopt a new pricing model for the upcoming operating system, as it looks to shift away from the one-time initial purchase to an ongoing-revenue basis.

3 of 415 comments (clear)

  1. A black day indeed. by Fishchip · · Score: 4, Funny

    There goes all those torrents of 'WINDOWS 8 ULTIMATE X64 TIMMY EDITION FULLY ACTIVATED'.

  2. Re:I'm sorry by Virtucon · · Score: 3, Funny

    I'm sure they'll support the traditional model and maybe come up with a catchy edition title. For example they could label it 'New Windows' for the subscription model and 'Windows Classic' for the one model people are used too. Then of course they could come up with new editions like 'Windows Zero' or 'Windows Light' just to further confuse the marketplace.

    --
    Harrison's Postulate - "For every action there is an equal and opposite criticism"
  3. Re:Consumers are cheap by Richy_T · · Score: 5, Funny

    It will be "Freemium". $0 for the OS then extra for items as you need them:

    $5 Clippy
    $5 That search dog/Einstein/Whatever that was
    $10 Autumn leaves wallpaper
    $15 Turn off animated window effects
    $20 Control Panel with things named as you remember them
    $30 Remove Evony advertising from dialog boxes
    $60 Start menu