MS moving Office to subscription model

**Ynot** · 04-18-2008 09:24 PM

http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-992...g=2547-1_3-0-5

Microsoft confirmed that it is planning a subscription service that combines the consumer version of Office with its OneCare security suite.

Code-named Albany, the product has a single installer that puts Office Home and Student, OneCare, as well as a host of Windows Live services, onto a user's PC. As long as users keep paying for the subscription, they are entitled to the latest versions of the products. Once they stop paying, they lose the right to use any version.

The product is aimed at consumers that want a simple way to have access to Microsoft's productivity suite and keep their computer protected, Microsoft said.

"There is a customer segment that really enjoys this always-on, always up-to-date aspect of the service," Microsoft group product manager Bryson Gordon said.

Microsoft is planning to introduce a limited beta version of Albany in the coming days, with the aim of launching the product commercially sometime later this year, Gordon said. The company still hasn't decided on how much it will charge or how the product will be sold, he said.

In talking about the product, Microsoft did not refer to Google Docs by name, but I have said a subscription product might be Microsoft's way of trying to find a more palatable way of charging for Office amid stepped-up competition from free and online rivals.

By tying the Office subscription to OneCare, Microsoft is linking the purchase to one of the few areas where consumers have shown a willingness to pay for software--security. In this way, Microsoft can make the pitch to those buying security software that, for some extra dollars, they can always have the latest version of Office as well.

Those who subscribe to Albany will also get several free Microsoft products pushed onto their desktop--including online document-sharing product Office Live Workspace, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Photo Gallery, and Windows Live Mail.

Gordon argued that having all the products installed at one time is seen as a plus by the segment targeted by Albany, but he agreed that some users may not be interested in having so many Microsoft products foisted upon them. Office and OneCare will continue to be offered in traditional ways, he added.

Other products may be added in over time, he said, and Microsoft could also try the Albany approach for other market segments, such as small businesses.

**arby** · 04-19-2008 12:12 AM

Pretty good move for them, apart from the fact that it's unbelievably annoying when office deactivates itself.

It's really funny, actually. You can open up any document but you can't edit it or even copy it. The most you can do is take screen caps =P

**Sornaensis** · 04-19-2008 12:31 AM

This is going to kill MS once and for all.

Now you have a monthly payment for your Crapware!

**Ynot** · 04-19-2008 12:43 AM

I shouldn't think there's many people who find the idea of perpetual payments all that palatable

especially as there's no incentive to actually improve the product
(keep paying or lose all access - we know we haven't done anything, but keep paying)

it works for anti-virus companies
but for a word processor?

**♥Mark** · 04-19-2008 12:50 AM

LOL no thanks. I didn't want the paper clip when he was free.

**Ynot** · 04-19-2008 12:52 AM

you have a funny notion of "free", but anyhow...

**♥Mark** · 04-19-2008 12:58 AM

He was free because he came already installed (and also because it wasn't on my computer).

**Carôusoul** · 04-19-2008 01:14 AM

I guess I'll stick to notepad.

**Sornaensis** · 04-19-2008 01:38 AM

http://www.openoffice.org

**wasup** · 04-19-2008 02:21 AM

Now how do we get it cracked?

**ninja9578** · 04-19-2008 03:34 AM

That's just another nail in the coffin. Microsoft has made more bad choices than the Bush administration. They are loosing ground in the OS market as people continually switch to Mac or Linux. The Office environment was one market where they were still going strong. I expect a decline in use immediately after this takes effect and for OOo to take centre stage.

**Replicon** · 04-19-2008 05:26 PM

*rotates the compiz cube rebelliously*

**ninja9578** · 04-19-2008 06:59 PM

*plays with the iWork 08 stack rebelliously*

**♥Mark** · 04-20-2008 01:37 AM

I'll switch to a typewriter if this becomes standard.

**Mysteryhunter** · 04-20-2008 03:31 AM

Originally Posted by Mark75

I'll switch to a typewriter if this becomes standard.

Me too

**arby** · 04-20-2008 04:43 AM

I'm so angry I could go kill trees then draw strange markings on them with graphite.

**Identity X** · 04-20-2008 11:52 PM

Sad, because Office is about the only Microsoft product which is actually best in its class.

**ninja9578** · 04-21-2008 12:31 AM

It's not the best in it's class: iWork and Corel are both better.

**Captain Sleepalot** · 04-22-2008 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Mysteryhunter

LOL.

I wonder if that is really a mod or just some dude being a jackass?

That being said, I only use Office at work. OpenOffice or Dark Room at home works for me.