Times changes. In 2001, we sold maps on CD. Then we moved to DVD, and then to digital download. Now we are moving to subscriptions.
We have always favoured a subscription model, as it would allow us to offer a continual service along with map updates whilst spreading the cost across the time frame a user uses the system. Until recently, the Ordnance Survey didn’t provide a contract for subscriptions which we felt was workable.
When the Ordnance Survey did finally embrace subscriptions, the new contracts were altered in such a way as to be very favourable to subscription models compared to outright map purchase.
We also believe that subscriptions are a very equitable way to spread the costs that Anquet has in software development, support and server technologies across active subscription paying customers.