Microsoft appears to be considering a different angle in regards to future software sales and pricing models. At least that’s what a new patent recently submitted by the computer giant would indicate. Their newly applied-for patent would essentially have them charging users for software on a new pay-per-use system.

For example, instead of doling out a large amount of cash to say, tinker with Photoshop or the suite of Microsoft Office applications, users could try out the products on a per-use basis. Now, normal, full purchases of software would still need to be available, unless Microsoft has lost their sanity as well as a solid business model.

A lot of folks seem to be doubting whether the new system indicated in the patent will ever see the light of day, but it is something interesting to ponder. I can certainly see the cost-benefit to it, especially for those looking to try out a new software. Perhaps some will even stop downloading software they can’t afford from torrent sites, as paying a per-use fee may be easier.

Also, it’s speculated that if the new system is implemented, there could be a very inexpensive range of PCs launched, which would include only a very small amount of full-version software.