For one thing, they typically charge a simple subscription fee per user, making the cost of information technology easier to see and manage.

ECONOMIST: Business computing

In addition to Netflix, TV and movie fans can access Amazon Instant video (including free programs on Amazon prime), Vudu, Hulu Plus, HBO Go (you need a cable or satellite subscription to sign in) and even news and information channels ranging from Al Jazeera English live programming to Fox News, HuffPost Live and plenty more.

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Consider the application UpToDate, an expensive subscription database and the go-to source for current medical information.

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