Subscription Software Checklist

With many vendors moving to a subscription-only based pricing model, I put together a quick checklist.

There are many pros and cons to subscription-based. Some of the cons I see are:

1. If you are locked into a 3 year contract, how likely is it going to be that vendors will give you any price decreases that they make during the term? I think customers should require that before signing. If a vendor lowers pricing, I want to be refunded the difference or given a credit.
2. With perpetual licensing you can continue to use the software even if you don't renew your maintenance or pay late. I would be looking to work with a vendor that is flexible and customer-oriented versus those that cut off access the day after a renewal expiration, with no exceptions.
3. I think that customer support is going to be diminished. Some say that it will be better because the vendors have to keep you happy so you will renew. I see it differently. Many vendor partner and resellers rely on the 20% annual maintenance to help with support and keeping their staff current and trained. With the support being bundled into the subscription price, and the partners receiving less money at the start, are the vendors going to help their partners with support and training? Will we see vendors discontinuing their reseller and partner programs?

Debby Kruzic