Microsoft Files for Pay-As-You-Go Computing Patent
Companies file patents for all kinds of crazy things, but it’s rare we see something that makes us stop and say to ourselves, “Really, that? Really?”
CNet reports that Microsoft has applied for a patent on pay-as-you-go computing in July of 2007. The application was published last Thursday; and so far Microsoft’s idea of a “metered, pay-as-you-go computing experience,” has left a lot of people bewildered.
Microsoft describes the patent idea briefly in its abstract and then at great length in the application but we’ll try and break it down and leave out the fluff. Basically you’re looking at a computer with scalable performance-level components, selectable software and service options. Users are charged in accordance with what they’re doing and the level of performance those tasks require. Browsing would be pretty cheap, gaming more expensive.
Some people have said this idea is pointless and others say it would be perfect for kiosks or libraries. However it looks like it might actually be the home user Microsoft is targeting after all. The Redmond company describes in the patent application that the current business model for computer hardware and software as an overall failing. Basically, “why buy a super powerful machine if you’re only going use it to its full potential a couple of times a week?”
“The current business model for computer hardware and software relies on a user purchasing a computer with hardware and software that is suited to the most demanding applications that the user expects to encounter. Therefore, a user may buy a multi-core processor with a significant amount of memory and advanced video support for gaming applications that are only used on the weekend, while the user's day-in, day-out activities may involve little more than word processing or web-browsing.”
It’ll be interesting to see what comes of this. Do you think PAYG computing could work in the home or are you of the opinion that anywhere outside of libraries or cafes, this concept is pointless? Let us know in the comments below.
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The idea is valid, but I see it being hacked very quickly starting another hacker vs developer battle.
I think the concept is interesting but has several real-world limitations....
Gaming is probably the most demanding task most home users will do - however the lag-time if the graphics and processing were done off-site would be intolerable without point-to-point optical fibre networks - making it unfeasible for the time being.
The concept would work for most office applications based on current infrastructure - but whats the point? most people buy a pc - it comes with the software and they can use it as much as they want without having to worry about cost - to make distributed processing for home computing a reality - the purchase cost of the initial hardware would have to be significnatly cheaper than it is now to tempt most people - given how cheap computing is already - micorosoft would, in my opinion, have to literally give away the hardware.
This sounds quite viable as a scaling pay scale for some users that for example would use 'AutoCAD' or 'LightWave' type applications on a professional basis. The professional would literally PAYG for their use of Windows (which let's face it is Microsofts cornerstone application).
This however would end up as an abortion for the addicted MMORPG (such as World of Warcraft) player who habitually plays excessive hours daily. Are Microsoft suggesting that as a high demand (gaming) and long term (some play for 5-8 hours a day) that this consumer level user would pay 'through the nose' for their use of Windows ???
An extremely dubious direction for the software giant to be looking into.
It is getting a bit ridiculous, we (customers) will have to pay for a computer, then perhaps some sort of an operating system on it, then for the internet access and then for using the software we will use. It does look quite rosy from the other perspective though... Imagine a world in 10 years, when you open your browser from an open source OS, and then have a choice to: A-pay m$ for it's Clouded Office 2020 (somehow word "shady" comes to my mind here), or B-use Google docs for free... And I believe that by 2020 there will be more options anyway. So from a linux-user point of view - great news. From "windows" (read: office, normal, gamer)-user point of view - not so great as m$ still can do whatever they want and world will still follow (at least for some more time). Well... Time will show as usual...
regards
tinner
MS just looked at WOW and said i want that.
i dont play WOW because of its pay monthy attatude but i understand that they have huge sever to keep up 24/7 ish.( - a few hours a week)
i will never every pay as i go on my home pc/laptop.
its just another way to squeese money from people. i for one think that the world need's to take a long hard look at MS and ask themselfs why.
the only reason i still use Windows (xp by the way... lol) is cause i have a soft spot for games.
one quastion tho what would it take for a game to boot on a pc (sorta like a games console might) i know that with the amount of diffrent hardware out it would be, if not next to imposable then bloody diffacult.
all i want is a MS free livestyle.