Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
Every time you turn around, it seems the software that costs youa fortune is being outmoded by some new whiz-bang version or acompetitive package that seems much better. Finally, there's analternative to this nightmare: a software rental service fromInterliant Inc., a Houston company that offers a service calledAppsOnline (http://www.appsonline.com/index.html).
Instead of paying $40 a pop for a software package, you can rentit for $10. The software runs on Interliant's server, and usersplug into it via their modems.
If you're collaborating with people in other locations,renting makes a lot more sense than asking everyone to buy andinstall individual software packages on their PCs. The idea works,too, if you need software you won't be using often-say,programs that helps you design a Web site, manage Y2K risk or doyour taxes. It's also a great try-before-you-buy idea. Go forit.
Bronwyn Fryer writes about technology for Newsweek, C/NET andother publications from her office in Santa Cruz,California.
