WindowsSecrets.com says that when comparing different Microsoft programs they find that Microsoft charges some customers for what is provided free to others.
Scott Dunn reports on WindowsSecrets.com that “Thousands of customers are paying almost $120 USD per year to Microsoft for an Internet subscription service that includes e-mail, security, and other features. But Microsoft gives away almost identical services absolutely free in Windows Live and the Windows operating system itself, while neglecting to inform those who pay through the nose.”
“For example, Microsoft’s for-pay service, known as MSN Premium, is a collection of broadband features that must be accessed through a special browser: MSN Explorer. Once downloaded and installed, this browser supports Web surfing, an interface for e-mail and calendar programs, and Microsoft’s online encyclopedia, Encarta Premium. Other features, such as an included digital image editor, are accessible by launching a separate application. …
…first launched for broadband customers in 2004. Since then, however, Microsoft has released a new collection of Web services under the Windows Live brand, new versions of Internet Explorer, and service packs for Windows XP — all free — that duplicate the features that MSN Premium customers pay precious money for each month.”
Isn’t this interesting? It is one thing to have competitors offer similar products for free while you charge for yours, but it is quite another to do it to yourself.
Read the full article here.
