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I have need to very occasionally use expensive software such as Photoshop, CorelDraw, AutoCAD, etc.
I do NOT want to download an illegal copy, a trial copy, or anything of the sort (since trial copies expire and illegal copies are, well...illegal and a hassle). Nor do I want to deal with configuring
the machine, the temporary licenses, etc.
This service would allow me to pay somewhere between $5-$50 for a 1-2 hour session on a machine pre-configured with the software of my choice via a remote desktop service such as GotoMeeting, WebEX, etc. I would be able to upload my files, do whatever I need to do, and download the results I create. As a value-added service, the business could also sell extra storage, allow printing (2D, 3D, plotting), etc.
I do not believe this would violate most software EULA's provisions against renting the software since I would not be renting the license so much as time on a computer pre-configured with the software.
If this is baked, I'd love to know!
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Isn't this just pay-per-view thin client ? |
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Essentially the Kinko's or other computer rental model with remote access. Definitely has some possibilities. |
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MechE, that's exactly what I'm imagining, inspired by current frustration in trying to find a Kinko's with the software I need ( and the lack of time to actually drive there)... |
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We actually do this within our organisation (using KVM over IP on our network) to enable people to use expensive but rarely used CAD software which is installed on a single machine. The licensing arrangements are much easier to handle that way - no nasty floating nodes, no dongles to lose, and so on. |
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I seem to remember that there are also companies that will hire out a preconfigured and licensed physical machine. |
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It would be simple enough to expand the concept to world + dog, although I would expect the software companies to do their best to find clauses in their EULAs that forbid it. |
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