Yes, they pay for the essential programs that run in our computers, and we pay for some others. For example, since 2005, I pay $9.99 for every new version of Microsoft Office (that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). The most expensive applications that we renew every year cost no more than $49.99 per year. The fact, that our school system can pay for the computer, doesn't mean they can pay for every program we consider helpful in education. You said that student have no problem paying the yearly subscription or expensive hardware, but I'm am so sorry to say that you are very far from reality. Yes, students in rich school districts may can afford (1% of the population), how about the other 99%. You are right when you said that programs in professional life are expensive, but you are not talking to professionals, or people who make money from using your applications. You are talking to people who are promoting and teaching how to use your products. We are creating and promoting a further market for you. Our students will be the professionals that would buy your products tomorrow. That deserve a better recognition from your side. I promise that making this product more affordable to people, will increase the number of customers and it would raise your margin of profit. Why BMW, Mercedes Benz, Volvo, etc., are making cars more affordable today? Because is better to sell 10,000 cars for $36,000 each than 100 for $70,000 each. I'm glad to mentioned Autocad. When I was in school, I took a class that required the use of Autocad. Do you how much I paid for the program? $0. It was FREE for students.
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