I have suggested in other posts that Microsoft was planning to move to a subscription model with Windows.
The following article seems to be saying the same thing, notwithstanding any previous denials on Microsoft's part.
Why Microsoft Won’t Produce New Windows “Versions”
"Jerry Nixon, a software development executive at Microsoft, has told the BBC that Windows “will be delivered as a service bringing new innovations and updates in an ongoing manner.” There are two ways this can be interpreted:
Updates will continue, but you will have to pay a “subscription” to receive them, or
The updates are completely free, with the hope of upselling the whole package with supplementary software.
It pains me to say that the first option will be most likely. Office 365 already uses this subscription model with the lowest tier costing around $70 per year."
The following link is for a poll, of sorts, not sure they're asking the right questions or asking the questions right, still.....
What do You Think of Microsoft’s Plans to Not Release New Versions of Windows?
I will reiterate my contention that Windows IS going to a subscription model, right along with Office.
I can actually see how it could work for the retail market, but I don't quite get how it's going to work for the enterprise market. Business, both large and small, as well as government entities at the local, state and federal level need a stable OS that they can count on running the software they've developed, over a long period of time, not something that can change on a whim.
If Microsoft is anything, it's Change You Can Count On, whether you want it, like it or need it.
The following article seems to be saying the same thing, notwithstanding any previous denials on Microsoft's part.
Why Microsoft Won’t Produce New Windows “Versions”
"Jerry Nixon, a software development executive at Microsoft, has told the BBC that Windows “will be delivered as a service bringing new innovations and updates in an ongoing manner.” There are two ways this can be interpreted:
Updates will continue, but you will have to pay a “subscription” to receive them, or
The updates are completely free, with the hope of upselling the whole package with supplementary software.
It pains me to say that the first option will be most likely. Office 365 already uses this subscription model with the lowest tier costing around $70 per year."
The following link is for a poll, of sorts, not sure they're asking the right questions or asking the questions right, still.....
What do You Think of Microsoft’s Plans to Not Release New Versions of Windows?
I will reiterate my contention that Windows IS going to a subscription model, right along with Office.
I can actually see how it could work for the retail market, but I don't quite get how it's going to work for the enterprise market. Business, both large and small, as well as government entities at the local, state and federal level need a stable OS that they can count on running the software they've developed, over a long period of time, not something that can change on a whim.
If Microsoft is anything, it's Change You Can Count On, whether you want it, like it or need it.