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
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