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First, Microsoft had Prepaid computers in where you get the computer for free, but to use it you need to buy credits. Once you buy enough credits (worth $351), the PC is yours. Now they’ve launched the new Prepaid Windows…Looks like they are taking a cue from mobile telcos.

The initiative, driven by Microsoft's New Business and Products Group (NBPG), will release the first version of prepaid and subscription Windows in a number of emerging economies that could include Brazil, India, Hungary, Russia, and Vietnam, according to information on Microsoft's web site.

Microsoft is developing version 1.0 PowerLine servers to support the Windows prepaid and subscription model, according to sources. The PowerLine servers will be hosted at Microsoft.

The service-oriented architecture under development, sources said, will integrate with subscription and prepaid systems of partners around the globe. For example, Microsoft plans to offer a billing system adaptor to plug in third party billing systems as a way to support flexible payments and offer partners a reporting service.

Microsoft Prepaid Windows with PowerLine servers source