Neowin.net - Developing: Microsoft releases "Albany" to beta testers

Developing: Microsoft releases "Albany" to beta testers

Posted by Neowin Staff on 18 April 2008 - 22:18 · 30 comments & 9150 views

Neowin is receiving reports that Microsoft has released codename "Albany" to beta testers. While details remain scarce, we do have a copy of Albany installed, and have discovered a little bit about what it is. It appears to be a collection of pieces of software from Microsoft, such as Office Home and Student and Windows Live OneCare, available on a subscription basis, possibly the start of Microsoft moving to a "software as a service" sales model.

The subscription also promises free updates, but it is unclear right now if that means major updates, or the updates users who own the full versions of the product receive on a monthly basis. In addition, Microsoft has promised a free subscription, when the beta ends, to the first 200 beta testers who install the software.

Included with the package are: Windows Live OneCare, Microsoft Office Home and Student, and Office Live Workspace, plus Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Mail, and Windows Live Photo Gallery.

The installation takes "about 20 minutes", and includes a software center of sorts, once installed, which allows you to launch the products included.

Screenshot: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

From Microsoft: "Albany" is the codename for a new all-in-one subscription service of essential security and software consumers told us were most important to them. In one easy install, "Albany" gives you Windows Live OneCare security and performance tools, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007, and Windows Live communication and sharing tools, plus an easy way to connect to Microsoft Office Live Workspace.

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#1 Posted by brlmedia on 18 Apr 2008 - 22:06: email received!! downloading now.

(1 reply) #2 Posted by +rm20010 on 18 Apr 2008 - 22:35: That installer screams WPF to me. Is it?

#3 Posted by Tikitiki on 18 Apr 2008 - 22:56: Interesting

#4 Posted by brlmedia on 18 Apr 2008 - 23:06: installed, about 20 minutes. no problems.

#5 Posted by TonyLock on 18 Apr 2008 - 23:14: I like the logo. Does anyone have a higher resolution version of the logo?

(5 replies) #6 Posted by nX07 on 19 Apr 2008 - 00:04: Screw SaaS model. I've been a dedicated, paying Microsoft customer ever since I was introduced to computers, but I will not stick on this train if the next stop is subscription central.

I don't really want to be paying $10 a month for my operating system, $10 a month for my Office suite, $5 a month for other little services, etc.

IF this happens, I *will* switch.

#7 Posted by belto on 19 Apr 2008 - 04:44: i wonder if this will only be available in the states or willit be international?

#8 Posted by yeditepe on 19 Apr 2008 - 09:17: how can i apply for joining Albany Beta??

#9 Posted by fenfe1 on 19 Apr 2008 - 11:45: what happens if you have a better version of office installed? Does it replace it or just not install that part?

#10 Posted by Glassed Silver on 19 Apr 2008 - 13:09: Software as a Service ftl...
I hope this ain't gonna replace traditional Software in parts somewhere someday... yuck...
interesting for sure, but nothing for me.
I like my software to be available whenever I want it after having paid for it once...
that's also what's pi**ing me off about activations...
imagine me calling MS in 10 years for activating XP for old games and such... they won't for sure let me activate it.
and internet activation is gone then, because you can activate for a damn "lot" of 5 times (woot! thank you microsoft, where shall I send my thank you letter to?).
yea, that's when I'll send thank you letters to hackers who make it possible to circumvent that crap.

Glassed Silver:mac

Last edited by Glassed Silver on 19 Apr 2008 - 13:15

#11 Posted by Budious on 19 Apr 2008 - 15:58: I like the concept of "Software as a Service" if renewal rates are reasonably priced. There should be some benefit to the end user to pay less for each sequential upgrade in operating system releases if Microsoft intends to reduce the release cycle to a typical 3 years and not the enlarged XP-Vista gap. $39.99/year for Vista Ultimate is a steal when you use it for three years, then pay the same rate to update to the next Windows release. In concept, it's good, but it comes down to final pricing scheme.

#12 Posted by MioTheGreat on 19 Apr 2008 - 17:00: The last few screenshots are ugly. Use Aero's window border, don't custom draw those stupid buttons.

(2 replies) #13 Posted by Mike Frett on 19 Apr 2008 - 17:31: You guys aren't getting it. This Software As a Service isn't going to fly. Take me for example, I have about 30 programs I use, not counting games, now say they will cost $10 a month to operate.

10.00 X 30 = $300.00. Hell No. Costs will be outrageous. Now you rich folk won't mind, but Joe user ain't gonna buy it. And if it were Poker, and that was the river, I'd go all in to bet.

(2 replies) #14 Posted by djesteban on 19 Apr 2008 - 19:47: Seriously, this subscription **** is ridiculous. Who in is right mind would fall for such a money trap. I'm now really considering switching to Linux (or even OSX for that matter, but since Linux is free, you know) for home usage. Me and my girlfriend are already using it at work, so I have no reason not to use it at home. It's something as stupid as my MP3 software (Foobar2000) that have stopped me from switching (I know it sound really stupid, but bleh, it's such a nice piece of software

#15 Posted by HalcyonX12 on 19 Apr 2008 - 20:01: There are alternatives for those who don't want to pay.

#16 Posted by jesse on 19 Apr 2008 - 20:42: seems pointless, but what do i know

nice install gui though, very clean

#17 Posted by +macf13nd on 20 Apr 2008 - 16:52: its entirely possible that as internet users become more savvy, they will increase their horizons and read up on things like Linux.

Assuming computer illiteracy, if a friend were to say (also assuming its 2011 or 2012), "you can save $200 / annum by switching to a free OS, its called Linux, and you can cancel your subscriptions to Microsoft", it might start becoming popular.

Reducing your monthly outgoings as an industry is HUGE, everybody's out to save money. If Microsoft start draining people's bank accounts on a monthly or yearly basis, rather than the OS cost being incorporated into the price of a new PC, then they will see their market share decrease dramatically, with switchers going to (most of them) OS X, and (the rest) to a linux build.

just my £0.02

#18 Posted by anthonyspt on 20 Apr 2008 - 18:52: For everyperson complaining about this, stop for a second and remind yourself of a few facts...

1) It is an optional service for people that can't afford a large chunk on the software suite, so this helps people that can't spit out the entire costs upfront, and also lets them keep the newest version available.

2) This service has been in the business IT world for YEARS now, with many companies in favor of the option. There are TONS of Microsoft business licenses just like this that provide them with the lastest versions for a better price.

3) Software subscription is NOT new to the world. In fact it is used in more places than people realize. Its model is also identical to many successful subscription services that people have been using for years.

So based on #3, consider this if you still find it appauling.
- Do you use TiVo? It is a software subscription...
- Do you use any music service like Napster, etc that gives you unlimited song access for a fee?
- Do you have cable TV?
- Do you pay for CallerID or Voicemail on your home phone?
- Do you currently pay for Anti-Virus software - it is ALL subscription based unless you are using a free version.

So you don't have to use it, the software licenses will still be purchasable as always, and it is no different than other software or licensing model you ALREADY accept and pay for... So whats the big freaking deal?

I love the comment where people threaten to move to OS X. This is funny, once you get your Mac running and figure out you need utility or that utility at about 30-40 a pop for all these little 'add-on/fixes' to make OS X work like you want or expect, you are paying more than a subscription premium. People in the Windows world don't realize how easy they have it for a lot of common functionality. (And yes I do this professionally, and have watched this happen to 1000s of users.)

#19 Posted by +NeoFyLe on 20 Apr 2008 - 21:57: Personally if it works then I am all for it. Subscription software is here to stay, why not have the latest and greatest applications or OS even based on a subscription model. Latest weekly or daily builds of application and OS's? I would go for it. Enterprise has this and as I said in my blog Home users should have this option as well.

#20 Posted by C_Guy on 21 Apr 2008 - 15:39: I love how everyone is getting their underwear all tied up in a knot over this.

SaaS model makes sense for a lot of customers, particularly organizations and in education. But traditional software licenses work better for others like most home users.

This is just an additional option put out in the marketplace. No need to get all uptight about it. If you want a traditional license then go right ahead and get it. But for the customers where a subscription makes more sense they now have that option.

Nowhere did Microsoft ever say it has to be one way or the other, it's simply a new option in the market.

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