Software For Rent

Mon., March 22, 1999

Compiled By Bill Sallquist From

Some software packages, especially those for complex business functions, can cost tens of thousands, even millions of dollars. Manufacturers think they’ve hit upon a way to insulate customers from such huge capital expenditures: Instead of selling software, they’re planning to “rent” or sell software subscriptions to their corporate clients.

The idea is to treat software as a “utility.” Just as companies don’t run their own power source or phone system, they would obtain software from manufacturers and pay according to their usage.

Knight Ridder Newspapers

Seal of approval

The Better Business Bureau is launching a privacy seal to help consumers easily identify Web sites and online merchants that safeguard their credit, medical and other personal records.

To qualify to use the seal, companies would have to meet certain standards. The threat of losing the seal would motivate companies to continue enforcing those measures.

Knight Ridder Newspapers

This sidebar appeared with the story: ONLINE GLANCE The following stories appear in more detail at www.spokane.net/technology

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Software For Rent

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