Family Pack license in the works - Update

[William]

Of course not, they are paying the EU's fine against Microsoft.

<quote>
Another option for getting Vista is to download it directly from
Microsoft's online software site, Windows Marketplace. In a first,
Microsoft is making the new releases of both Office and Windows available
for download at their standard list prices.
</quote.

I wasn't aware this would be an option.

And thatsure won't be available outside the US either. Wouldn't want Euro
customers to get Vista at the US price would they!

 

[Roscoe]

Well, perhaps some of us think faster than others.
--
Michael Cecil
http://home.comcast.net/~macecil/
http://home.comcast.net/~safehex/
http://home.comcast.net/~macecil/hackingvista/

LOL.

 

[Alias]

Of course not, they are paying the EU's fine against Microsoft.

False. Apple does the same thing and they have no fine. All the software
companies want to charge like that: $100 for USA, 100 pounds for the UK
and 100 euros for the eurozone. This is why I have friends in the USA
who buy my software for me and send it by Global Priority.

With your "logic", UK citizens are paying more of the fine than eurozone
denizens.

Alias

 

[Richard Urban]

WOW!

I can't believe some of the comments here. I told a certain fella (I'm sure
he remembers the thread) a couple of months ago that people steal because
they want to steal. Lowering the price wouldn't make any difference.

Well, unfortunately, from some of the comments it looks like I am right.

Some of you still aren't happy and it looks like you would still steal the
operating system if you could.

What has happened to right and wrong?

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Alias]

WOW!

I can't believe some of the comments here. I told a certain fella (I'm
sure he remembers the thread) a couple of months ago that people steal
because they want to steal. Lowering the price wouldn't make any
difference.

Well, unfortunately, from some of the comments it looks like I am right.

Some of you still aren't happy and it looks like you would still steal
the operating system if you could.

What has happened to right and wrong?

And charging double in the UK and 50% more in the Eurozone is what? How
come you don't get on Microsoft's case for that, stealing from the
Europeans?

What has happened to right and wrong?

Alias

 

[Robert Blacher]

Microsoft issued a press release related to this subject late yesterday.
You can find it at:

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/jan07/01-17ConsumerOptionsPR.mspx

With regard to the "Family Discount Reward" MS says:

"To make it easier for households with multiple PCs to make the move to
Windows Vista, Microsoft is launching a limited-time offer for customers who
buy retail copies of Windows Vista Ultimate. From Jan. 30 through June 30,
the Windows Vista Family Discount will allow North American customers to
license two additional copies of Windows Vista Home Premium for use on other
PCs in the home at the reduced price of $49.99 each. Before completing the
order online, customers will need to enter one valid full or upgrade Windows
Vista Ultimate key from their retail boxed product. After eligibility is
verified online, the customer can purchase licenses to install Windows Vista
Home Premium on one or two additional Windows-based computers. The Windows
Vista Family Discount is available only in the U.S. and Canada. More
information is available at http://www.windowsvista.com/FamilyOffer ."

Unfortunately, the link to http://www.windowsvista.com/FamilyOffer doesn't
work. But, the language:

"Before completing the order online, customers will need to enter one valid
full or upgrade Windows Vista Ultimate key from their retail boxed product."

mentions qualifying for the Family Discount with an "UPGRADE" key. So, buy
Ultimate Upgrade for $259 or whatever and you end up with 3 licenses (2 for
Home Premium) for $359. That's better than the initial report which
suggested you had to buy a full retail version to qualify.

At least one other nugget in the press release: In the new program to buy
Windows Vista as a download from Windows Marketplace, it specifically
mentions only buying UPGRADE versions through this program but then,
thankfully, makes it clear that the 64-bit version is available. See the
section entitled "Windows Marketplace Adds Windows Vista to Its Virtual
Shelves." Given the confusion over what's in the upgrade boxes, at least
now those wanting to UPGRADE to the 64-bit version have a place to look.

I'm going to bite my tongue on any opinions for now and just stop here as a
public service. :-}

 

[MICHAEL]

Agreed. I know some will complain about this offer, and
it is kind of silly that Microsoft requires a user to buy the
Ultimate version in order to get two Home Premium versions
at the discount. It would make more sense and probably be
less confusing if the offer was 1 Ultimate and 2 discounted
Ultimates, or 1 Home Premium and 2 discounted Premiums.

However, I am glad Microsoft has finally shaken up its retail
pricing... it's about time. Also, if you really think about, Microsoft
probably upsets companies like Dell and HP. The easier and cheaper
Microsoft makes it to upgrade, it could have an impact on those
who had been thinking about just buying a new computer instead of
just the new OS. Some consumers may put that decision for a new
computer(s) off for awhile- that can't make Dell and HP very happy.

I can only wonder what additional "excitement" this will cause the
newsgroup. Dad or mom goes out and buys three copies of Vista,
and decides to upgrade all the computers the same day. Lawd have
mercy on these Vista newsgroups.


-Michael

It also increases the profits for Microsoft. Since they are selling it for the same price, the
middle man is cut out, and there is not packaging, storage and shipping expense.
I agree. But, I'm sure that can't make retailers very happy-
which is why I thought they wouldn't be doing that. I had been
under the impression there was an "understanding" between
Microsoft and the major retailers about direct downloads.

Oh well, it is another option for the customer. That's a good thing.

-Michael

 

[Robert Blacher]

The Microsoft Press release that I linked to and quoted from below sounded
like it was written by lawyers. As I prove all the time in this group,
lawyers don't speak English. ;-}

Nick White of the Vista Team Blog has also posted the info in plain speak.
The link is:

http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2007/01/17/multiple-announcments-today.aspx

"Windows Family Discount

Also, today we're announcing news that makes it easier and more economical
for those of you with multiple systems at home -- like many of you who read
this blog -- to upgrade to Windows Vista. If you have need for fewer than 5
licenses for home use, you can upgrade all of your home systems by taking
advantage of the Windows Vista Family Discount. (Volume licensing is the
way to go if you have need for more than 5 licenses.) This program will
also begin at our retail availability launch on 30 January.

The Windows Vista Family Discount was in part inspired by feedback from tech
enthusiasts like you who told us that previously it was less than convenient
to upgrade every node on their home networks.

We heard you loud and clear in planning the Windows Vista Family Discount.
Here's how it works:

Buy a retail copy of Windows Vista Ultimate (full or upgrade version)
Between 30 January - 30 June, order up to two copies of Windows Vista Home
Premium online
Pay only $49.99 for each copy of Windows Vista Home Premium
Valid in North America (US and Canada)
On 30 January, go here for details; we've also a special site for our
French-speaking customers."

Microsoft Watch, for example, got it completely wrong. They thought you
needed to buy the full $399 Ultimate version to qualify for the family
discount. And, that was how Mary originally leaked it in her blog. Well,
now we have it from the horse's mouth, so to speak (sorry, Nick, not calling
you a horse -- you've been a shining beacon of good info and
consumer-oriented response throughout this whole ordeal. Enjoy your bus
trip! lol)

 

[MICHAEL]

Good catch, Robert.

I think it's great Microsoft is doing the download thing...
I don't think it's going to be great for this newsgroup.
Even though it will probably be a small percentage who
do that- a small percentage out of millions of users will
be a lot. Imagine, there were users during the beta stage
of Vista who called themselves "beta testers" and had no
idea what to do with the download once it was done or how
to properly burn it. Then, there were also users who just
couldn't get it to burn properly and had to reduce their burning
speed.

Something wicked this way comes....


-Michael

 

[CJM]

WOW!

I can't believe some of the comments here. I told a certain fella (I'm
sure he remembers the thread) a couple of months ago that people steal
because they want to steal. Lowering the price wouldn't make any
difference.

Oh, you're a psychologist?

Well, unfortunately, from some of the comments it looks like I am right.

Which comments in this thread are you referring to? The only one mentioning
stealing is you.

Something on your mind?

Some of you still aren't happy and it looks like you would still steal the
operating system if you could.

Why would we steal something if we aren't happy?

I don't like US Foreign Policy but haven't stole George Bush. Yet.

I don't like sprouts but I haven't stolen any.

In fact I can't think of any occasion where the fact I wasn't happy about
something reduced me to kleptomania. Perhaps you can point to sources who
can explain about this interesting social phenomenon.

What has happened to right and wrong?

You could regard being an apologist for an exploitative monoply as being
morally, if not legally, wrong.

 

[Robert Blacher]

From the same press release:

"Windows Marketplace makes it fast and easy to download large programs such
as Windows Vista through its digital locker technology. Digital locker
combines the immediacy of downloaded software with the security features of
owning physical media like a DVD - it uses innovative security technology to
store purchased software and license keys, efficiently resumes downloads if
they are interrupted, and manages the overall installation process. More
information can be found on Jan. 30 at http://www.windowsmarketplace.com."

I have never bought software (or anything else) from Windows Marketplace,
but it sounds like they plan to improve it anyway.

For their sake, I hope the reference to resuming downloads, etc. isn't a
reference to Microsoft FTM used by MSDN, Technet and others. What was it
they used during CPP -- Akamai? I avoided that and used my own favorite
download manager. But it *sounds* like they may try to make this more
user-proof by even helping the downloaders burn the DVD. ???? Nah, I must
be dreaming. :-}

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <edOA5#[email protected]> "Richard Urban"

It looks like it has been finalized.

See here from CNET http://news.com.com/Microsoft+tries...nd+wide/2100-1016_3-6150933.html?tag=nefd.top

Buy boxed Vista Ultimate edition and get 2 copies of Vista HOME Premium for
$50.00 per copy.

I think that is something that most everyone can accept!

Interesting, that's not half bad.

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <[email protected]> David Hearn

So, pay RRP from Microsoft for no media (burn it yourself I guess after
waiting X hours to download) and a product key. Alternatively, walk
into a local store, possibly pay less than RRP, and have it immediately
with proper media and box.

I can't see there being too much of an issue for retailers, except they
may drop their price a little to be more competitive. For me,
installing Vista isn't a spur of the moment decision. So waiting 1 day
for delivery, or walking into a store, isn't an issue for me. It's not
like wanting a new music album and deciding to buy an MP3 online rather
than buying it in the shops - installing Vista is a big task compared to
listening to music.

I'd go the other wa around, waiting X hours for a download to finish
isn't really a big deal. Driving across town to a store is a lot more
hassle.

 

[Robert Blacher]

It *looks* to me like Microsoft has gone out of its way *not* to p*ss off
the retail chain. As best I can tell, purchases through Windows Marketplace
are done in partnership with retailers, even software downloads. I can only
assume that will remain true for the Vista downloads.

 

[Dennis Pack]

Richard:
The Microsoft release is at
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/jan07/01-17ConsumerOptionsPR.mspx.

"Family Discount Rewards Multiple-PC Households

To make it easier for households with multiple PCs to make the move to
Windows Vista, Microsoft is launching a limited-time offer for customers who
buy retail copies of Windows Vista Ultimate. From Jan. 30 through June 30,
the Windows Vista Family Discount will allow North American customers to
license two additional copies of Windows Vista Home Premium for use on other
PCs in the home at the reduced price of $49.99 each. Before completing the
order online, customers will need to enter one valid full or upgrade Windows
Vista Ultimate key from their retail boxed product. After eligibility is
verified online, the customer can purchase licenses to install Windows Vista
Home Premium on one or two additional Windows-based computers. The Windows
Vista Family Discount is available only in the U.S. and Canada. More
information is available at http://www.windowsvista.com/FamilyOffer ."

 

[MICHAEL]

Good point.

-Michael

It *looks* to me like Microsoft has gone out of its way *not* to p*ss off the retail chain.
As best I can tell, purchases through Windows Marketplace are done in partnership with
retailers, even software downloads. I can only assume that will remain true for the Vista
downloads.

 

[Scott]

Alias spake thusly on 1/18/2007 4:34 AM:

Dick can't help himself. If someone disagrees with him or rubs him the
wrong way, his knee-jerk reaction is to be insulting.

Go Dick!

 

[Scott]

Michael Cecil spake thusly on 1/17/2007 10:24 PM:

So just buy that, then return all but one of the Homes for a total of $50.
Hmmm...

And good luck when it comes time to reinstall.

 

[Scott]

MICHAEL spake thusly on 1/17/2007 10:56 PM:

I agree. But, I'm sure that can't make retailers very happy-
which is why I thought they wouldn't be doing that. I had been
under the impression there was an "understanding" between
Microsoft and the major retailers about direct download

From
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/jan07/01-17ConsumerOptionsPR.mspx

Windows Marketplace Adds Windows Vista to Its Virtual Shelves

In another first, Microsoft will make Windows Vista and the 2007
Microsoft ® Office release available for direct download via Windows
Marketplace, the largest online destination for buying software that
runs on Windows. Starting Jan. 30 ***and working with retail
partners***, Windows Marketplace will offer the following upgrade
editions of Windows Vista and full versions of the 2007 Microsoft Office
release at suggested retail prices:

• Windows Vista Business

• Windows Vista Home Basic

• Windows Vista Home Premium

• Windows Vista Ultimate

• Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007

• Microsoft Office Professional 2007

• Microsoft Office Standard 2007


Windows Vista editions offered through Windows Marketplace are available
in English only, in either 32-bit or 64-bit versions. Windows
Marketplace visitors also can find a wide variety of Windows-compatible
hardware and software, including products carrying the Certified for
Windows Vista logo, which are tested to ensure superior reliability and
quality when running on Windows Vista.

Windows Marketplace makes it fast and easy to download large programs
such as Windows Vista through its digital locker technology. Digital
locker combines the immediacy of downloaded software with the security
features of owning physical media like a DVD — it uses innovative
security technology to store purchased software and license keys,
efficiently resumes downloads if they are interrupted, and manages the
overall installation process. More information can be found on Jan. 30
at http://www.windowsmarketplace.com .

 

[MICHAEL]

Agreed. I know some will complain about this offer, and
it is kind of silly that Microsoft requires a user to buy the
Ultimate version in order to get two Home Premium versions
at the discount. It would make more sense and probably be
less confusing if the offer was 1 Ultimate and 2 discounted
Ultimates, or 1 Home Premium and 2 discounted Premiums.

However, I am glad Microsoft has finally shaken up its retail
pricing... it's about time. Also, if you really think about, Microsoft
probably upsets companies like Dell and HP. The easier and cheaper
Microsoft makes it to upgrade, it could have an impact on those
who had been thinking about just buying a new computer instead of
just the new OS. Some consumers may put that decision for a new
computer(s) off for awhile- that can't make Dell and HP very happy.

I can only wonder what additional "excitement" this will cause the
newsgroup. Dad or mom goes out and buys three copies of Vista,
and decides to upgrade all the computers the same day. Lawd have
mercy on these Vista newsgroups.

I guess that should really say; Dad or mom go out to buy Ultimate Vista
and then go online to buy 2 more discounted keys for Premium, and
then upgrade all the computers the same day.

All hands on deck after January 30th!


-Michael