Pay-As-You Go Computing Patented By Microsoft

There are tons of people out there that have purchased piece of software only to lose interest or realize that they will rarely use the application in the future. This has never been more common when it comes to Microsoft Office. The amount of people that purchase Office and only use Word and possibly Excel are steadily growing. However there is one company that has started the legwork for a solution to people that need access to computing applications for a limited amount time.

If you haven’t figured it out already, pay-as-you go computing is the next big thing that Microsoft is considering as they have a patent that would allow the software giants to offer extremely low priced computers as well as give consumers access to applications and usage-based software in order to allow consumers to access the applications they need when they need them. This all according to documentation released on Christmas Day.

"An in-vehicle mapping and directions appliance may be invaluable during a trip to unfamiliar territory, but for normal trips for shopping and school-related activities, the appliance may not even be turned on," Microsoft wrote on the patent application. "An advanced graphics package may lie unused until it is time for a graduation invitation or an annual Christmas letter with integrated photos and seasonal graphics."

This unique idea would allow consumers access to quality computers at extremely low prices and then the opportunity to purchase access to particular applications and or software that can be used through a per-hour basis or package bundle deals that will be available.

For example, one of the bundles could include several different programs including an Office, Gaming applications, and browsing. On the other hand there might be packages specific to a job or task. The prices will vary, with certain bundles costing around $1.00 per hour others being $0.80 per hour. The amount of money that you will have to pay per hour will largely depend on what you are doing and the size and power of certain applications or programs that you need access to. There will be many different payment options however, including pre paid, subscription based, and per usage fees. This new technology and business model would see Microsoft entering into various agreement for revenue sharing with other software and hardware companies as well as fulfillment centers and service providers in order for consumers to get the most out of this incredible advancement.