Ask HN: Will the SaaS model work for downloadable software?

[hmark]

Recently downloadable software companies like adobe and jetbrains have had a major customer backlash when they changed their pricing model to SaaS.

Do you think this is the future for all downloadable software or do you see this as a wrong move?

Are there any rules that help decide whether a Saas pricing model would work for a specific piece of software?

[ckluis]

SaaS pricing works best on business products that provide value consistently & you need to know support exists. Very few of the things I pay recurring for are for software that I use recreationally - they provide value every day (office, google apps / email, hosting, etc). The products you mentioned (adobe) is still hosted. Customer backlash today is worth dealing with long-term viability & profit. Companies that start as a SaaS will not have the backlash problem.

[sharemywin]

If someone can buy the product as a pay once download and they are easy to find and buy from, I would think you would have a hard time selling an Saas competitor.