The article present opposing views on whether subscription software pricing is the best option. According to Mike Conlon, director of data infrastructure at University of Florida, when chief information officers license software on a subscription basis, they get predictable, low costs; the latest features; a strong bargaining position with vendors; and good vendor service. At the same time, companies can avoid a sunk-cost mentality and the risk often associated with deferring maintenance when purchasing software. Subscription-based licensing wraps acquisition and maintenance into one predictable bill and a CIO can negotiate contracts to cover multiple years, providing price protection. Though a subscription agreement includes financing charges, it also grants the right to deploy software upgrades. On the other hand, Todd Radabaugh, vice president of application support at Sky Financial Group, said that subscription software licenses are all the rage. A CIO should think twice before signing that contract. Renting nonessential software has advantages, but for critical applications, a perpetual license is often better from the buyer's perspective. One common argument in favor of subscription licenses is that if things do not go well, you can stop paying the vendor. Another argument is that subscription pricing lowers your up-front costs. My advice is to first consider your use of the product. Second, examine the total cost and third, do not let vendors steer you toward a scenario that fits their needs and not yours.