End of Vista Family Discount Upsets Some

Even though Microsoft had already warned users that its Family Discount Program would be ending on June 30, it still hasn't stopped some from taking issue with the move.

Windows Vista team member Nick White reminded consumers of the program's imminent demise in a blog post to the Windows Vista web log Wednesday afternoon. When it was announced, the company also added a sunset clause as well.

At 11:59pm Pacific Time on June 30, the program closes. White said the company was pleased with the response to the program, that it enabled "thousands" of multi-computer families to upgrade more than one PC in their home.

"Thanks to those of you who participated and also to those who helped seed and validate the original idea," he wrote.

In comments to his post, Windows users complained about the company's decision to follow through with ending the program. "Isn't that the same program that Microsoft sorta had to be dragged kicking and screaming to offering because of a few very vocal bloggers?" Shawn Oster wrote.

Oster further added that Apple's Family Pack, which allows for up to five household licenses of Mac OS X for $199. That offering is a permanent fixture of Apple's upgrade offerings.

Others took issue with the fact that it was only made available to American consumers. "I'm in the UK and I would have purchased the family discount if it were available," user 'gwyncole' wrote. "I know many other families that would have purchased these licenses if they could."

In responding to some of the users' concerns, White said the following: "This was a trial for us to see how people responded to the offer and we've gotten lots of constructive criticism as to how we could make it better if we were to do it again in future."

He added that the concerns of Windows customers will indeed be taken into account.