Microsoft Unveils Windows 10 Subscriptions Plans

Microsoft announced that Windows 10 will be free for anyone that owns a Windows 7/Windows 8 license and upgrades to the latest Windows operating system by the end of July 2016.

At the same time, Microsoft has referred to Windows 10 as a service, fueling speculations all over the internet regarding a monthly fee for using Windows 10 like it does for Office 365.

A few weeks ago, a mention of Windows 10 subscription fees appeared in an Insider Preview build, clearly showing that a monthly fee would surely come to this operating system. Now, Microsoft finally revealed the new subscription service that it will offer for Windows 10 and its Surface line of tablets.

For one, Subscriptions will only affect businesses and not consumers. Microsoft announced the Windows 10 Enterprise E3 for CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) plan, which will allow CSP partners to provide a subscription to Windows 10 Enterprise Edition as part of a managed service offering for businesses.

According to Yusuf Mehdi, the corporate vice president of Windows and Devices Group, businesses will be able to get enterprise-grade security and management capabilities for just $7 per computer per month starting this fall. These computers will receive increased security, partner-managed IT along with simplified licensing & deployment.

However, the new plan will not affect all businesses, as Windows 10 Enterprise will also continue to be available via the usual Microsoft’s usual licensing program.

What are your thoughts about the upcoming Windows 10 Enterprise E3 for CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) plan? Will you use it for your business or would you prefer to use the old licensing program?