Boxed software will be gone in 10 years –Microsoft

In 10 years' time, will software packaged in boxes be just a memory as computer users shift to software subscriptions? Microsoft thinks this may be the case.

 

Microsoft's Clint Patterson cited their experience with the Office productivity suite where many chose to subscribe to, rather than buy, the software.

 

"(W)e think people's shift from packaged software to subscription services will take time. Within a decade, we think everyone will choose to subscribe because the benefits are undeniable. In the meantime, we are committed to offering choice--premier software sold as a package and powerful services sold as a subscription," Patterson said in a blog post.

 

Patterson noted that when Office 365 Home Premium and Office 365 University launched in January, more than a quarter of consumers buying Office chose the subscription.

 

"This exceeded our expectations, given that software subscriptions are relatively new to most consumers. So, perhaps the shift is happening faster than we originally thought," he said.

 

He also cited the experience of Adobe, which now offers software subscriptions via Creative Cloud.

 

Patterson said Adobe appears to be blazing the trail as it has gone a step further by announcing plans to discontinue development of its Creative Suite and other CS products.

 

"Focusing all future effort on Creative Cloud, Adobe will no longer offer its classic, packaged software product in this category," he noted.

 

Patterson said that while Microsoft believes the shift will take time, it agrees with Adobe that subscription software-as-a-service is the future.

 

He said the benefits of subscription-based software to consumers are huge, as subscribers are always up-to-date and "get the latest and most complete applications."

 

Even Web services like SkyDrive and applications like Skype are also more easily integrated with subscription services, like the new Office 365 Home Premium, he added.  — TJD, GMA News