We will explore the model for the Windows Store app licensing. Microsoft hopes to strike a balance between clients’ needs for flexibility and simplicity, while simultaneously maintaining some level of protection for developers.
Windows Store makes it easy for customers to get any and all of their apps regardless of the Windows 8 device they use to access the store. Of course, perhaps the chief goal of the new licensing model is to counter piracy. However, Microsoft is placing more emphasis on the accessibility to purchased apps regardless of PC’s used over a period, and applying updates or reinstalling on a new system. The new thing is that they mention being able to share these apps with friends and family members.
Piracy is not unimportant, since without some level of protection against it there is no business possible for app developers. From the customer’s perspective, there will be a consistent experience dealing with all of their apps through the store. In order to enjoy these benefits a client must for register for an account at the Windows Store.
One beautiful benefit to customers is that regardless which computer you use, all of your settings show up in Windows 8. Your browser bookmarks / favorites, your lock screen image, and other settings that are attached to apps. This is managed by your Microsoft account, which you use to log into the Windows. This same account applies to the Windows Store, so that if you want to add an app to your Windows 8, simply clicking that Install puts it there. You no longer have to worry about downloading the program first.
Don’t worry! You can still sign into Windows without your Microsoft account. When you go to install your first app Windows Store will ask you at that time to sign in. If you are curious and want to browse the store you can without signing in too. Just remember that when you want to install a program you must be logged into your Microsoft account. If you forget, the Store will remind you.
Setting up your Microsoft account can be done with any email address, that functions as your Microsoft ID. So if you want to use your screwMicrosoft@gmail.com, it is perfectly fine by them. Your app licenses are assigned to this ID, which means you can reacquire these apps on any PC. A copy of the license is saved on your PC as well, verifying to Windows on that computer that you have a right to this app. You can even try out apps before buying them. The hope is that the taste of the app will encourage more purchases and drive a thriving marketplace in the Store.
Developers still retain control over their trial periods. Periods of 1 day, 7, 15, or even 30 days are possible. There is also a possibility of a never-ending free trial period. The shorter trials should be used on highly active apps such as games, whereas the longer periods are for more complicated programs that require more time for the customer to gain an appreciation and persuade them to purchase the app.
The trial period start at the time of installation, not of first use. When the trial has ended there is no hope to re-install and start another trial period. Either the customer forgets that app or purchases it. It gets worse. If one person on that computer has burned up a trial period, no other user can install the same app for a trial period. So if one computer is used by a family and the son has utilized the trial period of a game, the daughter cannot try it out to see if she likes it. This is where the licensing model falls down. If a customer tries to install an expired app, they get a listing in the Store where the app is for sale. They can buy it if they want.
