November 14th, 2005
Would You Pay Nothing for Microsoft Apps?
By Michael Santo
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews
No specific plans have been made, but internal memos have arisen that show that Microsoft has been considering making its software — Windows included — ad-supported. The document was prepared for one of Microsoft’s twice-yearly Thinkweek exercises in which Chairman Bill Gates and other top Microsoft execs meet to brainstorm.
Microsoft officials confirmed the authenticity of the paper, dated Winter 2005, but declined to comment on its contents. However, a Microsoft source characterized the paper as an internal brainstorming exercise.
“It is simply an exploration of different models of delivering software to customers,” the source said. “It is not policy, it is not a plan and no decisions have been made–it’s just some thoughts from our research and business units.”
Already, the company has announced plans for Office Live and Windows Live, two products that are ad-supported complements to its existing desktop software. But in the internal documents, Microsoft workers maintain that the software maker may be forced to go further if rivals launch ad-supported versions of popular programs such as PowerPoint. Source: ZDNet
We Say: Would I pay instead of suffering through ads? Actually, I probably would, depending, of course, on the price. I have enough trouble dealing with pop-ups and pop-unders on websites without having to deal with ads in Windows. On the other hand, I can see ad-blocking software being extended to Windows in addition to browsers, making things, perhaps, livable.
David Johnston says:
I definitely think I’d rather pay than deal with ads. Also, modern ads are usually targeted to the user so if you’re using this “free” software, it’s most likely going to be sending usage statistics and the like back to MS so they can target ads toward you. There’s just something a little too Big Brother-ish about that for me.
November 14th, 2005 at 2:55 pm
John says:
Windows advertises itself all the time now. Just watch as you’re using it.
JOhn
November 14th, 2005 at 4:14 pm
Improbus says:
I am almost to the point of switching to Linux as my OS of choice. Everything Microsoft does seems to push me in that direction.
November 14th, 2005 at 4:44 pm
David Johnston says:
Microsoft is fighting Sony. I think that’s one thing they’re doing right
As for Linux, I *very highly* reccomend you try out OpenSuSE (www.opensuse.org). It’s definitely my all-around favorite distribution. There is nothing easier to install and use.
November 14th, 2005 at 9:28 pm
Gill Bates says:
This is clearly something that Microsoft will offer to directly compete with Google. It appears microsoft is finally deciding to push back.
November 14th, 2005 at 10:53 pm
John Corliss says:
At first it would be “ad supported”, but then eventually you would be paying for it… kind of the reverse of cable tv and how it got where it is.
As David Johnston mentioned, it will be a factor in MS spying further on you.
Linux keeps looking better and better.
November 15th, 2005 at 6:22 am
Another Mike says:
I’m gonna go with a less ostentatious view. While I’m not advocating for a mass exodus from linux to windows, I think if they did do this it “could” mean good things. I can understand the need to compete with google. Google definately seems to be the innovation company of the decade and like any good business, microsoft has to compete in the new world.
While they have been known to use big brotherish tactics ala windows media player, their has always been a way to turn such stuff off. I’m guessing they know that hasn’t worked for them in the past and will use a more application based ad strategy. ie., H&R Block ads for MS Money, SBC ads for Outlook, etc, etc, etc.
I believe that having both a pay version(ad-free) and a free ad supported version is good for all of us. Of course we aren’t forced into using ad supported version if we are sketchy on the idea. But it’s good for everyone to have options.
Oh and linux is a good option for those who know their way around a computer fairly well. It’s not generally a good idea for the mass public unless they have a friend/relative who does know their way around, so that they could set it up. It’s irresponsible to say that everyone should be proficient in linux. But it is a good operating system for those in the know. By the way my flavor is Mandriva… 2006 == teh win.
November 15th, 2005 at 11:43 am
» Could Microsoft Actually Make Money Giving Away Its Programs? » Blog Archive Alice Hill’s Real Tech News - Independent Tech says:
[…] As Michael noted in an earlier article, Microsoft is looking at free, ad-supported versions of many of its titles, although, you can bet Office won’t be one of them, and it appears that competing with Google isn’t the only reason for them to consider it. Many of its software titles, such as Microsoft Works or Microsoft Money, do not bring in any revenues at all, and Money isn’t even at a break even level. Microsoft has to heavily discount OneNote to even get it included on computers, and it only recieves $2 a copy from computer manufacturers for Microsoft Works. Calculating that the average person keeps their copy of its entry-level productivity suite Works–a kind of “Office lite” for consumers–for about three years, Microsoft reasoned that it wouldn’t take a lot of ad revenue to justify moving the product to an ad-driven model. […]
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