Up to 50% 0f the environmental impact can be in the use stage. Charging
by usage may result in more environmental responsible use.
Expands market opportunities for manufacturers. Specifically amongst SMEs.
Design for upgradability delays 'time to landfill'
24 hour repair.
Connection to web allows automatic charging based on the usage of the machine.
Comments:
Electrolux completed a pilot scheme with washing machines
during 1999/2000 in Gotland. The pilot showed most people wanted to own
their machines. Overcoming the culture of wanting to own everything in the
home will be a major hurdle to success. There may be lessons to learn from
this experience related to personal computing in both the home and
office.
Financial:
The simplest option is to supply the PC, and charge on usage.
The machine is replaced with a new one after being used for a specific number
of hours.
Another option is in effect to have a hire purchase which tends to be more
acceptable to home users) based on usage and after a certain number of hours
the customer owns the machine.
Could reduce costs to the customer.
Environmental:
Charging based on usage reduces energy use.
Social:
Differential service-based contracts would allow for different
levels of software and hardware upgadeability.
Other:
Far more data is required to ascertain the commercial potential
for this opportunity.
