chriso_86, on Jan 3 2009, 12:14 AM, said:
I just read that this idea has hit a wall. The patent office declined Microsoft's patent for this idea. So, I guess we are fine with leaving our computers on 24/7 for awhile yet.
*starts plundering the business account*
No seriously, first, I'm surprised the patent didn't come through, but I think the system works differently from what is said.
I can not imagine Windows being 'paid per minute', but Office systems on the other hand, that makes sense, depending on how-much-per-minute offcourse.
Assuming 1 cent per minute, with an upper limit of the actual 'free' buying price? that's not a bad idea imo, although this system brings some problems. I paid just under 60 euro for my Office Enterprise license, so it'll require user registration and identification in the case of my price... which I wouldn't like because I hate registrating...