Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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It seems that a new age in computer software is upon us, the age of software rental. Until recently all software has been sold, but now Microsoft is experimenting with Office 365 where, instead of purchasing Microsoft Office, you rent it for a yearly fee of $100.
Adobe has taken it a step further and with the current version, Photoshop CC now available only as a rental. In other words, you cannot buy it. If you want it, you will have to sign up to pay $30 a month or $240 a year for the privilege of using the latest Photoshop version. Photoshop is by far the premier tool used by photographers around the world, and their product is the only programme whose name has even become a verb! The rental only plan has already resulted in Adobe shares going up and while this development is very popular with Adobe shareholders, it is certainly going to be much less popular with users. Of course, users can also purchase shares and then benefit on the other side, if they really think the company is going to make a lot more money as a result. Users also have the choice of sticking to the last version that they bought and not upgrading at any time – but most photographers would want to be able to have the latest and greatest magical tricks that Photoshop contains!
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Tuesday 09-Jul-13
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Comments
Angelique said:
on Thursday 11-Jul-13 12:25 PM
I would prefer to buy it than rent it! I prefer to be an owner because what if you don't use a certain programme every single day? Imagine they start renting out games instead of being able to own it? Its just a money making scheme - very clever but as Tanya pointed out why not make both options available
Sinead said:
on Thursday 11-Jul-13 12:19 PM
In a way, the rental is better. If you think about it
Bianca said:
on Tuesday 09-Jul-13 04:56 PM
I think that the renting of the software may be more practical for temporary users however I do agree that no everyone can afford to pay the once off payment as it is a bit steep. I guess they also have to make a profit so it would depend on the user to decide what would work for them.
Sorea said:
on Tuesday 09-Jul-13 03:54 PM
Sneaky! They ensure that their product is one of the most used and then they change it so that you cannot just get an upgrade every couple of years to stay up to date. And they make more money while not giving the consumer a choice in the matter. Tsk Tsk Tsk ...
Sundome said:
on Tuesday 09-Jul-13 03:51 PM
I agree with Liesl, this is just another money making
anicia said:
on Tuesday 09-Jul-13 03:42 PM
On the good side you can buy shares and get profit. On the down side the majority people don't want to rent it but pay it once. Sure very intresting .
Michael said:
on Tuesday 09-Jul-13 02:53 PM
Yolandi, you are not appreciating they are not giving a choice. You can stay with either the old version forever or if you want the new one, and any updates to it going forward, you have to rent. This is exactly how us lawyers get hit with bookkeeping software - we pay a rental every month....
Benita said:
on Tuesday 09-Jul-13 01:41 PM
It is definitely not benefiting consumers, but it will definitely benefit them
moenisha said:
on Tuesday 09-Jul-13 01:33 PM
There are lot of people who prefer rentals to purchasing
Liesl said:
on Tuesday 09-Jul-13 01:29 PM
Just another money making tactic
Yolandi P said:
on Tuesday 09-Jul-13 01:11 PM
I think renting is silly. If you work it out what you pay for the product when you buy it compared to renting it, it makes no sense. Then again, not every one can afford to buy if once off so they do make life a little easier.
Lucretia said:
on Tuesday 09-Jul-13 01:10 PM
I have to agree with Tanya with regards making both options available to people. Life is all about choice and if you take that option away, there will be those who cannot afford to rent and I am not only talking Photoshop CC, I am talking computer software as a whole.
helen said:
on Tuesday 09-Jul-13 01:05 PM
Sure very interesting idea to do business, from the company's point of view the constant income from consumers, from customer's point of view - the product has got old will not rent anymore will go for upgrade version. Everyone benefiting in this game.
Michael said:
on Tuesday 09-Jul-13 01:01 PM
Obviously they feel rental only is more profitable - and ongoing.
Tanya - The T said:
on Tuesday 09-Jul-13 12:00 PM
I think they should just make both options available. That way you can rent it if you would like to try it or play with it and buy it if your serious. What happened to options.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
