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Microsoft to Charge for Office 2007 Beta 2
CIO Magazine ^
| July 31, 2006
| Al Sacco
Posted on 07/31/2006 11:42:30 PM PDT by Zakeet
Microsoft Friday said that this week it will begin charging US$1.50 for users to download a copy of the Office 2007 beta 2.
"In just the past two months since its launch, more than 3 million people have downloaded the 2007 Microsoft Office system beta 2," the company said in a statement sent via e-mail. "Given how dramatically the beta 2 downloads have exceeded our goals, we have made the business decision to implement a cost-recovery measure for downloading the beta."
(Excerpt) Read more at cio.com ...
TOPICS: Business/Economy; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: beta; microsoft; office
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Looks like Bill Gates is going to charge his customers for the privilege of uncovering "undocumented features" in Microsoft's newest software.
This will undoubtedly enhance Microsoft's product quality endeavors.
1
posted on
07/31/2006 11:42:32 PM PDT
by
Zakeet
To: Zakeet
It's still only $1.50 for software that will cost several hundred when it's released commercially.
To: Zakeet
It's still only $1.50 for software that will cost several hundred when it's released commercially.
To: ricardobaltazar
You still have to buy the release version, being in the beta doesn't give you any sort of discount on the final product.
This is an example of the bean counters at Microsoft starting to take over. That isn't a good thing for a tech company.
4
posted on
07/31/2006 11:54:48 PM PDT
by
RFC_Gal
(It's not just a boulder; It's a rock! A ro-o-ock. The pioneers used to ride these babies for miles!)
To: Zakeet
I will stick with Office 2003 and wait. It will probably be at lease 3 years before I even consider switching.
5
posted on
07/31/2006 11:56:41 PM PDT
by
Sprite518
To: Zakeet
6
posted on
08/01/2006 12:00:12 AM PDT
by
Sprite518
To: All
Paying for the pleasure of being a beta tester. LOL
7
posted on
08/01/2006 12:05:15 AM PDT
by
pepperhead
(Kennedy's float, Mary Jo's don't!)
To: RFC_Gal
Oh I realize that. I just don't think $1.50 isn't that big of a deal. I think this is going to be one of those things that people get all bent out of shape about because "M$ is screwing us again!".
If Adobe decided to charge $1.50 to download the beta version of their latest CS suite, I wouldn't be too worried about it.
To: Zakeet
I'm happy with Office XP.
9
posted on
08/01/2006 12:06:17 AM PDT
by
BigSkyFreeper
(There is no alternative to the GOP except varying degrees of insanity.)
To: Sprite518
I will stick with Office 2003 and wait. It will probably be at lease 3 years before I even consider switching. I am still using Office 97 on the corporate laptop at the office, it works great, I still haven't used 95% of its features, and never once I said to myself "damn, I need that new feature in Office 200x"
To: All
I guess this means it will no longer be possible to download it free from the internet.
/sarcasm
11
posted on
08/01/2006 12:39:46 AM PDT
by
KarinG1
(Some of us are trying to engage in philosophical discourse. Please don't allow us to interrupt you.)
"Cost recovery" for a beta is having millions beta test it, not charging them for the privledge.
12
posted on
08/01/2006 1:38:00 AM PDT
by
D-fendr
To: All
Wouldn't it make more sense to pay individuals $1.50 (or something) for each new bug found?
I understand the notion of wanting to recover bandwidth costs, but that is just hooey in the contexts of a beta test and Microsoft's available cash for bandwidth.
What is it Microsoft? Are we helping you find bugs or are you selling buggy software for really cheap?
I know the answer is "both" but it still seems screwy, imo.
13
posted on
08/01/2006 2:01:24 AM PDT
by
FreeRadical
(That's no "open container" officer. That's my beer.)
To: Zakeet
The only upgrade I'll consider is the one that features "Death of the Stupid Paper Clip Assistant".
To: Zakeet
The purpose of Beta testing used to be product improvement and bug fixing. These days, it seems to be more for marketing the product.
15
posted on
08/01/2006 4:15:45 AM PDT
by
savedbygrace
(SECURE THE BORDERS FIRST (I'M YELLING ON PURPOSE))
To: AmericanChef
The only upgrade I'll consider is the one that features "Death of the Stupid Paper Clip Assistant".Any gurus; out there, know how to "deactivate that sucker"... ( I have; but I forgot. :)
16
posted on
08/01/2006 4:29:19 AM PDT
by
skinkinthegrass
(Just b/c your paranoid; Doesn't mean they're NOT out to get you. :)
To: Zakeet
...or, you can go here www.ajaxwrite.com and get windoze compatible word processor for free.
hehehehehe
17
posted on
08/01/2006 4:33:05 AM PDT
by
taxed2death
(A few billion here, a few trillion there...we're all friends right?)
To: skinkinthegrass
Take a 357 and point it right to his big eyes.
18
posted on
08/01/2006 4:38:19 AM PDT
by
bmwcyle
(Only stupid people would vote for McCain, Warner, Hagle, Snowe, Graham, or any RINO)
To: bmwcyle
Take a 357 and point it right to his big eyes.
*click* *click* *click* It worked! Thxs. :D
19
posted on
08/01/2006 4:46:10 AM PDT
by
skinkinthegrass
(Just b/c your paranoid; Doesn't mean they're NOT out to get you. :)
To: Sprite518
Sounds like a prudent business decision to me.
20
posted on
08/01/2006 4:47:02 AM PDT
by
FreedomPoster
(Guns themselves are fairly robust; their chief enemies are rust and politicians) (NRA)
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