By forsaking licensing or subscription arrangements, enterprises are able to use any product, at any time, as much as they need, without having to pay for software they don't use.
So not only has the iPhone replaced Motorola-class phones as the mobile device of choice among consumers, but Apple is also replacing Motorola's business model by tapping into that rich vein of monthly subscription fees: An arrangement, by the way, that has been as good for AT&T as it has been for Apple.
It's interesting to see Livestation continue to expand its relatively new subscription model – a similar arrangement for CNN became available last December – as the service morphs into a cable TV-like company for the Internet, albeit one that targets multiple platforms and has a focus on news.
Now, the company offers floral delivery subscriptions, with new arrangements arriving weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
Prof Pittock, speaking on behalf of Academics for Yes, said: "There is no point, quite simply, in not having a subscription model continuing the current arrangements and that's really been the research council's own position".
Last week, Hearst Magazines announced a deal for iPad subscriptions to some of its magazines that will begin in July and Time Inc. made an arrangement for subscribers to get some magazines free, but Condé Nast is the first major publisher to begin a subscription plan on the iPad for one of its magazines (previously readers had to download each issue individually).
No carrier partners have been announced yet, but because most carriers will soon offer their own music download stores, Motorola must offer a clever business arrangement so a carrier has an incentive to push iRadio subscriptions.
That is different from the usual arrangement in which magazine publishers contact their customers near the end of their subscription terms and beg them to renew.
Although the pricing and packaging arrangements are still in flux, Mr. Glaser said a typical $10 monthly subscription might include the ability to download or listen to 75 songs.
Under the arrangements, I.B.M. would provide database software to the providers for a percentage of their subscription revenue.
