Microsoft offers subscription licensing for small...

[Lordbob75]

Microsoft offers subscription licensing for small businesses

Microsoft is offering a new subscription model to small businesses that will allow them to use the company's software for less cost than the currently available licensing model.
The plan, called Open Value Subscription program, is part of Microsoft's effort to give small businesses more flexible and affordable options for purchasing software, said Cindy Bates, Microsoft's general manager for U.S. small business.
The new plan costs about a third of the license-only expense for the current licensing program open to small business, called the Open Value program, Bates said. The plan is cheaper because Microsoft offers upfront discounts for software purchased through the subscription program, and also allows customers to increase or decrease pricing over the three-year subscription period if their business needs change, she said.
Open Value Subscription includes Microsoft's Software Assurance program, the company's software maintenance and support program for business customers.

Read the rest at the source.

Source: Microsoft offers subscription licensing for small businesses | Business - InfoWorld

I know this is a little late (a 2008 article) but it seems very relevant to both Windows 7 and the upcoming Windows 8.

I have a nagging feeling that this may become standard for all but the largest corporations. (That would include home users.... ugh)

~Lordbob