TheMountain Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 'Free' Windows 10 Is A Nice But Stupid Microsoft Idea - Forbes Do you know what I’m getting sick and tired of writing? ‘Free’ Windows 10. Do you know what I should be writing? Free Windows 10. The reason ‘Free’ requires inverted commas is because Windows 10 isn’t really free. It’s free on the condition that you are currently using two specific versions of Windows, specific editions of those versions and that you upgrade within a specific time period. Microsoft’s Logic On the surface this all makes sense. The versions of Windows are the most recent (Windows 7 and Windows 8), the editions are the most popular (Home and Professional) plus you have a full year to claim. Millions will do this and Windows 10 will probably have the fastest operating system take-up in history. I suspect this will happen, but it could and should be so much better… Windows 10 Should Be Free Not ‘Free’ Let’s face facts. The Windows 10 upgrade market is a tiny, almost financially irrelevant part of Microsoft’s Windows business. The vast majority of licences come from corporations who aren’t included in the ‘Free’ offer and those who buy new PCs where Windows has always seemed free because it is bundled into the cost of the hardware. Instead what the upgrade market represents is the most advanced, most vocal and most influential part of Microsoft’s user base. These people are the influencers. They help their friends with tech problems, advise on purchases and are disproportionately important in spreading positive or negative word of mouth. So give them Windows 10 Free. Upgraders using ineligible versions of Windows? Give them Windows 10 Free Upgraders using pirated versions of Windows? Give them Windows 10 Free Everyone who participated in the Windows 10 beta trials? Without doubt give them Windows 10 Free Get the good vibrations following, let the new Microsoft shine through. In a single swipe Free Windows 10 eradicates: The security problems and bitterness of users still on Windows XP The pirated copies of Windows around the world The blind allegiance to Windows 7 The dissatisfaction/stigma surrounding Windows 8 Frustration from Windows 10 beta testers who are being tossed aside Now keep this policy up for every subsequent Windows iteration. The overriding priority should be to get the world on Windows 10 (the new PC buyers take care of themselves) and truly give Windows 10 Mobile the best possible chance of staging a fightback in the smartphone world. This isn’t the time for half measures. But this is just the start… Truly Free Is More Profitable Of course I do see Microsoft’s side of the argument. ‘Free’ is already a big step. Sure Microsoft has offered discounted prices for a limited time on previous Windows launches, but never given licences away en mass. What it is doing with Windows 10 is already progressive, radical even, it should be applauded. And yes, Microsoft is on the right track… it just hasn’t travelled far enough up it. Rightly or wrongly, OS X, iOS, Android and Chrome OS have taught users that software upgrades should be free and it’s the hardware and bolt-on services they expect to carry cost. Move to Windows 10 for free and users recommit to the Microsoft ecosystem, they save money to invest in a OneDrive subscription, apps or even put towards an upgrade of that 10+ year old version of Microsoft Office that has long been just ‘good enough’. Truly Free Windows frees up users’ cash to spend on other areas right at the moment they are feeling most benevolent towards you. And Microsoft, if this still isn’t enough, just think of the simplification it would bring to your business model: No more global negotiations with retailers for Windows licences No more cracking down on dodgy licence resellers No more pirate copy software checks No more tech support for stressed users told their copy of Windows ‘is not genuine’ No more marketing confusion over whether ‘Free’ means Free or ‘pay later’ No more licences to track Just a single portal: the Windows website and a big, fat download link This is how Microsoft counters Google (free software, lots of ads), Apple (free software, expensive hardware) and even Linux (free software, endless distributions). No Microsoft rival has the same breadth of hardware choices, price points, software and services. The gateway to them just needs to be left unlocked. So Microsoft, let me drop those inverted commas. Make Windows 10 Free not ‘Free’ and let the mother of all fightbacks begin… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikie Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 now they have a chance to have a 9.99 sale for another year. 9.99 us dollars 9.99 euro 9.99 British sterling 99.9 Chinese yuan 999 Russian ruble 999 Indian rupee they could have fun with three 9's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pc71520 Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 $, §, € 9.99 is better than 6.66 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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