Microsoft outlines vision of pay-as-you-go computing (CNN)

[eppur_se_muova]

(CNET) -- Microsoft has applied for a patent on metered, pay-as-you-go computing

U.S. patent application number 20080319910, published on Christmas Day, details Microsoft's vision of a situation where a "standard model" of PC is given away or heavily subsidized by someone in the supply chain. The end user then pays to use the computer, with charges based on both the length of usage time and the performance levels utilized, along with a "one-time charge."

Microsoft notes in the application that the end user could end up paying more for the computer, compared with the one-off cost entailed in the existing PC business model, but argues the user would benefit by having a PC with an extended "useful life."

"A computer with scalable performance level components and selectable software and service options has a user interface that allows individual performance levels to be selected," reads the patent application's abstract. The patent application was filed June 21, 2007.

"The scalable performance level components may include a processor, memory, graphics controller, etc. Software and services may include word processing, email, browsing, database access, etc. To support a pay-per-use business model, each selectable item may have a cost associated with it, allowing a user to pay for the services actually selected and that presumably correspond to the task or tasks being performed," the abstract continues.
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more: http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/12/29/microsoft.metered.computing/index.html

I want to encourage MS to pursue this strategy to the exclusion of all others as it battles to avoid losing users to Linux. :evilgrin:

[Ichingcarpenter]

1. What a bunch of crap from microsludge

This has got to be one of Balmers ideas.




"Charging for the various bundles may be by bundle and by duration. For example, the office bundle may be $1.00 <68 pence> per hour, the gaming bundle may be $1.25 per hour and the browsing bundle may be $0.80 per hour. The usage charges may be abstracted to 'units/hour' to make currency conversions simpler. Alternatively, a bundle may incur a one-time charge that is operable until changed or for a fixed-usage period," the document reads.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

2. i will never upgrade again if that is the case

at the office or at home...i use linux a good deal already and OpenOffice is passable for most things i do...what the hell are these idiots thinking...

at the proposed rates, you would exceed the current cost of using a full version of Office2007 in about 12 weeks of full time use in your workplace...

sP

[Betty]

3. that reminds me of the story in the Onion

about Microsoft wanting to patent 0's and 1's.

[Neshanic]

4. If this is what Microsoft is serving up for the future, fuck them.

[Deja Q]

5. Well, I've paid. Already. Legally. And once per each PC I own. I'd rather not pay again.

For the same PC. Once is enough. Double dipping on licenses; no thanks.

[Avalux]

6. It'll be just like cell phone usage. Initial PC will be virtually free -

upgrading will cost $$. Contracts, fine print. NO THANKS.

[blogslut]

7. I'm more worried about cloud computing

The software magnates have long wanted to take hard copies out of our hands and force us to rent software online and now all the tech blogs write glowing articles on "cloud computing" - I worry.

[Solon]

8. I think this is why open source software is important...

if the Major commercial entities start interfering with ease of use of their products for control over those same products, even the average Joe will start looking for alternatives, that already exist. At the very least, if Microsoft and their ilk attempt this type of business model, they will hesitate to implement them fully, for fear of losing their customer base.

[blogslut]

9. I agree

My hope is that the corporate world turns on them. I'm pretty sure that's where these software magnates make most of their money.

Winows 7 beta "leaked" out on bit torrent sites this week and now all the tech bloggers are singing its praises, so I still worry.

[Solon]

10. I tried it myself, and frankly, I don't know what to think...

Its a HUGE piece of bloatware, and reminds me too much of Vista, just without UAC activated by default.

[KamaAina]

11. Published on Christmas Day?!

Isn't that, like, a holiday? Or is this yet another example of the heinous War on Christmas? :sarcasm:

Something smells fishy, and it ain't tomorrow's New Year's Eve dinner... :tinfoilhat:

[Edweird]

12. I would then simply shift OS. Screw 'em.

[Shardik]

13. There stupid fucks don't realize how many people they are going to send to Linux

and OpenOffice. They are fools if they think people are going to go for this.