Path: utzoo!censor!geac!torsqnt!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!apple!bionet!hayes.ims.alaska.edu!accuvax.nwu.edu!nucsrl!telecom-request From: raj@hpindwa.cup.hp.com (Rick Jones) Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Re: Microsoft Use of 900 Number for Tech Support Message-ID: <14892@accuvax.nwu.edu> Date: 21 Nov 90 04:40:16 GMT Sender: news@accuvax.nwu.edu Organization: Hewlett-Packard, Cupertino CA Lines: 19 Approved: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 839, Message 7 of 7 Stepping away from Microsoft specifics... I think that using a 900 number is something of an interesting idea for providing support on a time and materials basis (ie no support contract). However, it would seem most apropriate as a supplement for a service contract type of support plan rather than the only method of support. Apart from that, it seems like a good way to be able to charge for support with minimal overhead. (ignoring the debate over free support of PC software...) The offensive part of it would be where you call and get connected with Joe Q. Buffoon support person. In that case however, the offense should be taken at Buffoon rather than the 900 number. Richard Anders Jones | MPE/XL Networking Engineer Hewlett-Packard Co. | No 900 number yet... Being an employee of a Standards Company, all Standard Disclaimers Apply