Microsoft's per-incident customer support prices were quietly bumped last week as the company launched Windows Vista. Prices for both Windows Vista and XP support were raised, from $39 to $59 per incident while support prices for Office XP and Office 2007 went from $35 to $49 per incident. General support inquiries as well as inquiries for other software went unchanged, remaining at $35 per incident. New retail customers, however, will be able to get 90 days of support free of charge, and Microsoft says that the company will always help customers with virus or security issues free of charge.
"This change was timed in conjunction with the worldwide launch of Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office system to retail customers but was made public on December 8. The new assisted support pricing model is in-line with industry standards and has been set globally in reference to GDP (gross domestic product) per capita to more accurately reflect the value of and Microsoft's investment in the customer support experience with Windows and Office products. These prices reflect new technology usage and customer implementation, which is paramount as Microsoft customers use more integrated technology solutions," said a Microsoft spokesperson.
News source: Ars Technica
"This change was timed in conjunction with the worldwide launch of Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office system to retail customers but was made public on December 8. The new assisted support pricing model is in-line with industry standards and has been set globally in reference to GDP (gross domestic product) per capita to more accurately reflect the value of and Microsoft's investment in the customer support experience with Windows and Office products. These prices reflect new technology usage and customer implementation, which is paramount as Microsoft customers use more integrated technology solutions," said a Microsoft spokesperson.
News source: Ars Technica
And yet their profits went up to $2.9 billion from $2.6 billion. Wonder how that could have happened if they're losing so much money.
I wonder who advises them on PR - maybe Kevin Federline?
Bingo! Besides ultimate Vista is priced almost the same as XP for equivalent versions (obviously ultimate has no rquivalent). It wasnt an issue in the past and still isnt because most ppl get the OS OEM anyway. Outside of tech sites I doubt many ppl know how much windows sells for or even care since for all intensive purposes it comes bundled as part of an overall system cost.
even though tech support rarely helps on pc stuff in general, i have seen some people from time to time actually give me a perfect answer to my question but it's fairly rare.
cause im sure most people in these neowin.net forums are above average pc users, knowledge wise.... so when we have a problem odds are the "standard crap" they tell most people that fix there problems aint going to work with us.
p.s. to MrCobra ... you got a decent point... but if you ask me i dont think we should have to deal with that crap in the first place
even though tech support rarely helps on pc stuff in general, i have seen some people from time to time actually give me a perfect answer to my question but it's fairly rare.
cause im sure most people in these neowin.net forums are above average pc users, knowledge wise.... so when we have a problem odds are the "standard crap" they tell most people that fix there problems aint going to work with us.
p.s. to MrCobra ... you got a decent point... but if you ask me i dont think we should have to deal with that crap in the first place
Hmmm.... it looks like 'real' Americans cannot spell properly.
Education aside the point remains, outsourcing call centers severely reduces the quality of them.
So if you don't know how to do basic troubleshooing, searching the internet for away to fix the problem your having... Then your really stupid... all it takes for someone to know how to "Read" and find answers...
I should know, i do this for a living, and i kinda laugh at people who call into tech support asking for help.. (But i know i shouldn't because most of the ones who do call in, are mostly people who don't know much about computer systems)...
Do I call a business only to be asked to pay to get support? That absurd. But at least the internet is providing a free wealth of support and information that people would've pay through call supports. So spread the word that if any one got computer problems, to tell them to check the internet first for free support.
I never realised why people hate Microsoft so much, missing the whole XP launch, but now -- geez. I won't stand in the way.
Seriously it should be included.
you need a fix for something that microsoft hasn't even released yet? well if you call up tech support and if there isn't away to fix that issue, then microsoft well bring out updates for that program.
So other wise, why don't you guys stop and look at yourself before even think about bashing tech support...
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