Microsoft FlexGo

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FlexGo was a technology developed by Microsoft to enable users to pay for using a full-featured personal computer based on the amount of time it used for, similar to pay as you go for cell phones. Another method of payment was a monthly subscription. It was introduced on May 21, 2006.{{Cite web |date=May 21, 2006 |title=Microsoft Unveils Pay-As-You-Go Personal Computing Designed for Emerging Market Consumers |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2006/05/21/microsoft-unveils-pay-as-you-go-personal-computing-designed-for-emerging-market-consumers/}} IBM and other corporations were also adapting similar business models to expand into new markets. Microsoft began offering a Windows Vista based version of FlexGo in 2008.{{Cite web |last=Foley |first=Mary Jo |date=May 16, 2007 |title=Microsoft is readying a new Windows-Vista based version of its FlexGo hardware-software-services bundle aimed at emerging markets for launch in early 2008. As part of FlexGo 'Next,' Microsoft plans to shift its emphasis from pay-as-you-go to subscription-based pilots. |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-to-launch-new-vista-subscription-trials-in-early-2008/}}{{cite news |last1=Samuel |first1=Joshua |title=Legacy of Encarta |url=https://www.retrotechdreams.com/microsoft-encarta-changed-the-way-we-learn/ |access-date=14 May 2023 |publisher=Retro tech}}

FlexGo had two computing models, a pay-as-you-go model, and a subscription based model. Users would get full access to their PC once they paid. The PC would inform users as their time ran out, and would lock the user out if they did not pay to extend their time.{{Cite web |last=Foster |first=David |last2=Westerinen |first2=Jeff |title=Microsoft FlexGo Technology Update |url=https://download.microsoft.com/download/a/f/d/afdfd50d-6eb9-425e-84e1-b4085a80e34e/cln-t456_wh07.pptx}}