nerdhook

Microsoft has apparently applied for a patent on metered, pay as you go computing.

I realize companies apply for patents all the time which may not actually be indicative of future business decisions, but this one is so out there I wonder why Microsoft is even bothering. Perhaps to make money off the patent as opposed to the business model?

From my vantage point, the last thing consumers want today is another monthly payment as part of a long-term contract. This would be like returning to the days of renting the telephone from the phone company.