Software as a Service is STUPID.

[Draconian Guppy]

Well if that happens ill buy Mac.

I am confused, what does the subject ("Software as a service") have to do with the first sentence of the post, "subscription based OS."

Further, Microsoft already offers subscriptions for Enterprise customers as part of the Software Assurance program. That is nothing new, and has been extremely successful. Why would you complain about that?

Well I think he means that if we were to get a "windows core" with only explorer and limited funcionalities then have to pay via subscription... Meh... am I making any sense at all?

Oh well... Guess i'll have learn how to run games in linux...by 2012 or so :p

[jamesclarke555]

Oh well... Guess i'll have learn how to run games in linux...by 2012 or so :p

Unless...

http://www.reactos.org/en/index.html

:shiftyninja:

[Brandon Live Veteran]

Well I think he means that if we were to get a "windows core" with only explorer and limited funcionalities then have to pay via subscription... Meh... am I making any sense at all?

Why would that ever happen?

[haveblue128]

Neowin Forums -> Replying in Software as a Service is STUPID. ...and we fell for it!

A few years from now, the only warez we will be using is subscriptionware. And, the annual upkeep will not be cheap. In the late 90's, Symantec and a few other big dogs came up the a new business model and realized they could change the market from one controlled by buyers to that of a sellers marketplace. A new business plan was in creation-one that would generate far more predictable profits. And the annual bill could choke a horse.

So, these firms turned the tables on us all and suddenly purchasing a subscription to use their software each year is taken over the market like a brush fire. A few companies have taken this notion one step further and their software is actually being sold as a business service. I'm sure at some point, the software firms will argue that each product is a virtual consultant that can provide a business advantage, but for proprietary reasons, no one will be told what that advantage is. Sounds oddly like the Military Tribunals at Gitmo. You get no info, but will likely go to jail for a long time.

[Xenomorph]

Oh gosh!

Oh no!

Microsoft is possibly doing something differently with Windows.

It hasn't been confirmed or anything, but surely the craziest rumors have to be true!

Jump ship! Move to Linux! Move to Mac OS X! Obviously any tiny change in Windows means the whole thing is 100% broken and totally unusable now. Switching to an ENTIRELY DIFFERENT PLATFORM is the only logical choice!!! That will fix everything for sure!!

Cut off your nose to spite your face! You'll show them!

[Xenomorph]

yea if this happens its time for me to get a mac or finally jump to linux

This is one of the most closed-minded posts I've seen.

A great example of the kind of crap people posted when Vista's features were talked about (DRM, etc).

The modular Windows 7 with subscription extras may be the BEST thing to happen to Windows in a long time. It may mean a leaner, meaner version of the OS, better performance, and an easy way to cut out the bloat you don't want - and even possibly reducing the overall cost of the OS.

But, much of the stuff in the linked article is NOT confirmed. It will still be Windows, it will still support a ton of hardware and run a ton of applications.

What the hell is the point in switching to Linux or Mac then? You are afraid of a change with Windows that actually may not impact you, so you think its best to change EVERYTHING about your OS by switching platforms completely?

What does that accomplish? If you were using Windows in the first place, then you have to understand that the software and hardware support of Windows won't be there on Linux or Mac. You'll have to run new applications, learn new ways of doing thing, re-learn how to configure your system, and discover all new limitations and quirks with the OS. Even then, you may still find yourself needed to load up VMware or Wine just to run something Windows based because you'll discover that you actually do need Windows for somethings.

Most Windows users never have to turn to Linux or Mac though, as everything they could possibly want exists for them in Windows. Running Windows applications under Linux and Mac has been an on-going thing.

Are you able to give any logical reason for wanting to make a 100% OS switch to Linux or Mac if Windows is only going through a 10% change?

[Skoey]

well said stuff...

Well said mate, however I do believe the cool hate "microsoft" bandwagon is at play here. Your words will prob go straight over the top, and into oblivion, its kind of like beating a dead horse.

Also there is little point saying you will switch to linux / mac upon Windows 7 arrival, when A) you havent even used th OS B) most of the info out there atm is speculation and limited. Hardly a time to be making major judgements.

[Izlude]

the key words here are "if" remember Cinderella? if.... if.... besides there's nothing to worry about. NOD32 is subscription based and our sea friends have ways with it ;) subscription sumshmipsion... er... well you get the idea.

[Borbus]

Well if that happens ill buy Mac.

Or just switch to free software.

[CelticWhisper]

Just a suggestion to those of you promising/threatening/whatever to switch to *nix if Windows goes subscription-based. I'm not saying it's a good or a bad idea to do so, as that's up to the individual, but I'd like to recommend that if you're serious about it, try using *nix now.

Don't wipe your Windows partition, don't "take the plunge," but at least download a LiveCD and familiarize yourself with it so that if you do decide you need to bail on Windows, it won't be so much of a shock to have to adjust to a different paradigm. You'll still have your Windows knowledge, and this way you'll be ready no matter what happens.

Plus, *nix skills are great to have on a resum? too.

Of course, switching to Mac is a little trickier due to the necessity of new hardware (as I wouldn't necessarily trust Hackintosh/OSX86 to give me a reliable flavour of what MacOS is like and certainly wouldn't trust it for a first impression), but most *nix stuff can be done similarly on the Mac where the CLI is concerned.

[Raa]

or Strengthening its survivel via DirectX 10

Haha you ARE kidding me right?

DX10 bought nothing "great" to the table that DX9 hasn't already given us.

"Oooooh Crysis DX10 effects are better" Really? I can do them on XP. NEXT!

"Oh but it's faster" Not according to benchmarks and tests i've seen.

DX11 maybe?

On topic though; I agree that if W7 goes subscribe, I think i'll be sticking to XP...

[kiwi89]

Haha you ARE kidding me right?

DX10 bought nothing "great" to the table that DX9 hasn't already given us.

"Oooooh Crysis DX10 effects are better" Really? I can do them on XP. NEXT!

"Oh but it's faster" Not according to benchmarks and tests i've seen.

DX11 maybe?

On topic though; I agree that if W7 goes subscribe, I think i'll be sticking to XP...

Well dx10 is kinda new, and really there is no games out there that are actualy taking advantage of this new tech - sure we have a few new nice little effects here and there, but nothing like what dx10 can do.

[Farstrider]

This is one of the most closed-minded posts I've seen.

A great example of the kind of crap people posted when Vista's features were talked about (DRM, etc).

The modular Windows 7 with subscription extras may be the BEST thing to happen to Windows in a long time. It may mean a leaner, meaner version of the OS, better performance, and an easy way to cut out the bloat you don't want - and even possibly reducing the overall cost of the OS.

But, much of the stuff in the linked article is NOT confirmed. It will still be Windows, it will still support a ton of hardware and run a ton of applications.

What the hell is the point in switching to Linux or Mac then? You are afraid of a change with Windows that actually may not impact you, so you think its best to change EVERYTHING about your OS by switching platforms completely?

What does that accomplish? If you were using Windows in the first place, then you have to understand that the software and hardware support of Windows won't be there on Linux or Mac. You'll have to run new applications, learn new ways of doing thing, re-learn how to configure your system, and discover all new limitations and quirks with the OS. Even then, you may still find yourself needed to load up VMware or Wine just to run something Windows based because you'll discover that you actually do need Windows for somethings.

Most Windows users never have to turn to Linux or Mac though, as everything they could possibly want exists for them in Windows. Running Windows applications under Linux and Mac has been an on-going thing.

Are you able to give any logical reason for wanting to make a 100% OS switch to Linux or Mac if Windows is only going through a 10% change?

These are the sort of posts that I find the MOST fascinating! The complete short sightedness and ignorance encompassed herein are truly amazing to say the least! Once again only the USA and equivalent countries exist on this planet. What about poorer countries and third world countries that do not have significant internet (Broadband) penetration? How the hell do small businesses and small entrepreneurs? who may need software to run their businesses exist in an environment like the one proposed by Microsoft? This would most definitely be a bloody good reason to really give open source a go on a large scale, for businesses and individuals alike!

You are obviously a really big fan of a monolithic corporation that is starting to crumble under its own weight!;);)

This is how MS defines SaaS:

The combination of ever-more-abundant bandwidth, increasingly powerful processors, and inexpensive storage is broadening the choices for designing, deploying, and using software: in devices, in computers, on servers in corporate data centers, and on the Internet. Business solutions can be delivered and consumed in all of these ways?either singly or in combination?to provide the best user experience and the most business value.

Software as a Service (SaaS)?meaning delivering software over the Internet?is increasingly popular for its ability to simplify deployment and reduce customer acquisition costs; it also allows developers to support many customers with a single version of a product. SaaS is also often associated with a "pay as you go" subscription licensing model.

Edited April 20, 2008 by Farstrider

[Brandon Live Veteran]

These are the sort of posts that I find the MOST fascinating! The complete short sightedness and ignorance encompassed herein are truly amazing to say the least! Once again only the USA and equivalent countries exist on this planet. What about poorer countries and third world countries that do not have significant internet (Broadband) penetration? How the hell do small businesses and small entrepreneurs' who may need software to run their businesses exist in an environment like the one proposed by Microsoft? This would most definitely be a bloody good reason to really give open source a go on a large scale, for businesses and individuals alike!

Wait... what? What environment did Microsoft "propose" that you are ranting about? This is all idle speculation, and absolutely no one is speculating that Microsoft is going to make some subscription model be the only option for buyers... what's wrong with more options? Besides, this article wasn't talking about anything new - it was talking about the enterprise Software Assurance agreements that have existed for years. Why would these be a concern for "third world" or poorer countries? Microsoft has made lots of specific investments in developing nations with products like Windows Started Edition and many other specially tailored offerings.

You are obviously a really big fan of a monolithic corporation that is starting to crumble under its own weight! ;)

You are obviously a zealot with your own agenda, using FUD tactics to try and scare people into thinking that Microsoft is somehow going to "leave them behind." The thing is, none of that is ever going to happen.

[Farstrider]

[snip]

You are obviously a zealot with your own agenda, using FUD tactics to try and scare people into thinking that Microsoft is somehow going to "leave them behind." The thing is, none of that is ever going to happen.

:laugh: :laugh: You are actually quite funny sometimes!!! If you really knew me you will find that I am actually a very open minded person and so far removed from zealot status, that if anything, I stand for far too many causes! If this makes me a zealot in your eyes, then so be it!

[-Hiroshi-]

If Windows 7 flops as much as Vista then I'm going to totally leave Windows and go to either Linux, or purchase a new platform which'll be a Mac. I just bought my machine and my hardware upgrades tend to teeter around 4 to 5 years, so we'll see.. I'm on XP because I cannot stand Vista. :(

[EduardValencia]

If Windows 7 flops as much as Vista then I'm going to totally leave Windows and go to either Linux, or purchase a new platform which'll be a Mac. I just bought my machine and my hardware upgrades tend to teeter around 4 to 5 years, so we'll see.. I'm on XP because I cannot stand Vista. :(

The reasons you don't stand vista?

[RealFduch]

If Windows 7 flops as much as Vista then I'm going to totally leave Windows and go to either Linux, or purchase a new platform which'll be a Mac.

"If grass becomes as black as snow I'm going to totally leave it.."

[zero061099]

Oh WOW! Some of you are insane! Switch to mac? LAMO...ive tested macs for years and nothing has changed with their damn extensions ALWAYS causing a system crash!

Linux? YES its GREAT but for the simple fact its not good for most un-experienced end users it will never rival windows.

SO on that topic you gotta admit windows has the market by the balls.

GRANTED windows is the most bloated OS to date BUT windows 7 is according to my studies supposed to be faster then ever before!

To have a subscription service to me is nuts BUT will thwart the hackers which in my mind may costs MS money but help them keep money in the long run.

[waruikoohii]

Haha you ARE kidding me right?

DX10 bought nothing "great" to the table that DX9 hasn't already given us.

"Oooooh Crysis DX10 effects are better" Really? I can do them on XP. NEXT!

"Oh but it's faster" Not according to benchmarks and tests i've seen.

DX11 maybe?

On topic though; I agree that if W7 goes subscribe, I think i'll be sticking to XP...

DX9 brought us nothing to the table that DX8.1 hadn't already given us.

"Oooooh, effects are better." Really? I can give them up. NEXT!

[ViperAFK]

DX9 brought us nothing to the table that DX8.1 hadn't already given us.

"Oooooh, effects are better." Really? I can give them up. NEXT!

rofl :laugh:

[jporter]

Microsoft is killing this great gaming platform called PC. First step in that direction was Vista.

I don't see how?

All my games run the same if not faster, it has DX10.x and will have 11 which XP has NOT. Can you explain why you would say this? I'd rather say pc game copying is killing it, not Vista (I download all my games aswell).

And what is wrong with people saying "I'm running XP because I can't stand Vista"? What is wrong with Vista that you can't stand it. It gives more information (for example when copying files), it's easier to use, it has faster WDM, better resource management and has more then XP and should run all your programs. Maybe some people haven't tried Vista since the early builds or when it just came out but really, go try it, you'll be amazed :)

Edited July 21, 2008 by jporter

[PGHammer]

Software-as-a-service is already out there, and we're all using it (in fact, it's more common on Linux than it is on Windows). Even if the software itself is free, the *service* part (continued updates, etc.) is where the real money can be made (exmples: RedHat and Novell). There is nothing in SaaS that requires you to charge for the service aspect (for example, Microsoft doesn't charge for Windows Update/Microsoft Update). Can it be profitable? Look at IBM.

[Brandon Live Veteran]

Microsoft's big bet these days is more on "Software + Services."

Examples of that are things like Hotmail and the Windows Live Mail client. Hotmail is the service, WLM is the software (client). Together they provide a better experience than either would separately.

Apple's MobileMe effort is similar in nature. As are many of the iPhone applications, such as the Facebook app. They provide a better experience than the web-based versions because they can leverage client code, which can also be more trusted because it is installed by the user. But it is powered by the web service back end, which makes it useful.

That's basically what Windows Live is all about. Providing web-based services, and client software that connects to them.

[Budious]

I wouldn't mind software as a service, so long as the revenue was used to continually update and provide new features to the operating systems. If they were to offer a legacy and current branch, NT 5.3>5.4>5.5 updates and NT 6.0>6.1>6.2, that would be a model that I could support.