foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

If you're just using Quicken for checking and savings, take a look at CheckBook Pro.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

I don't see it as a win win. The companies make much bigger profits and that's about it.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Why change if Quicken is working for him?

traderjohn Loc: New York City

So right. Screw those dirty filthy profit grubbers. Boycott their products. I wonder what the profit ratio is needed for your company to pay for your salary their matching contributions to your Social Security and your Medicare accounts are?

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

When he's ready to make a change he has a place to go. Should I make a note to tell him about it a few years from now?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Nice to have a backup plan.
I'd only change from my 2003 version of Quicken if it doesn't work on my next computer.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

The profits may or may not be bigger, but what shareholders and investors like is that they're more predictable and regular. One of the big reasons that software investment is so risky is that the companies make big profits when they roll out a new product, then go revenue dark (or at least dim), sometimes for years, until the next big rollout. That's also why they save up features for the next big thing, instead of releasing them as they are developed. In theory, at least, new features and upgrades are released regularly to all subscribers, which, in turn, encourages subscribers to stay with the product. They can also track their pricing much more accurately by the monthly growth (or lack thereof) in subscribers. Again, it's all theory, but this should provide better software and better profit margins as well, by increasing the number of users and the confidence of the investors.


Like it or not, it's coming - it's just too logical a model not to take hold. In the proprietary software systems we use in my business it has done exactly what was promised - more predictable expenses, quicker bug fixes, and products that get better constantly. We'll see how it works out in the photo sector, where there's a much bigger base of potential buyers and much more competition.

Andy

Ny5y Loc: Mississippi

That's only if you need or want the extra videos to learn some of the finer parts of On1. You buy at a reasonable price and upgrade only if you want! You can leave old versions and go to websit and use and reload the older version you pay for.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

You shouldn't if you're content. But for a variety of reasons many of us want updated functionality.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

More power to those who do.

Haydon

I have a friend still using a Nikon D7000 and processes with Lightroom 3.6 and Photoshop CS6. He's not interested in upgrading his equipment or his software. It does everything he wants. Others require higher levels of functionality. Make your own determination of what works for you. If you are unhappy with subscription based software, the solution is simple, don't upgrade or open your wallet.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

You are right about everything you said except one thing! The software will NOT be exactly the same either way. The reason I say this is because buying a program outright and keeping it a long time may give you the updates [until no longer available], but it WILL NOT give you the upgrades! For a while that may not seem all that important, but those upgrades over time add up into a richer user experience.

So my opinion is that the subscription form of payment has MORE benefits for everyone, and those benefits include even MORE updates and upgrades than are provided with the stand-alone purchased [licensed...] program. The program provider has more incentive to keep working on improving the product because they can better afford it with a steady income that will not fluctuate unpredictably, as long as they keep their subscribers happy!

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Correct Jerry, once they get you hooked, you're hooked and have no control over your payments (guaranteed to go up) or other options other than to go somewhere else....yep, that's the new business model, LEASING.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I agree with Gene. Another part of it is piracy control.

lsimpkins Loc: SE Pennsylvania

Correct. The Plus option also includes opportunities for personal instruction and critiques. The software is still fixed price to buy the license. The sky is not falling.