Being a long time user of the Norton suite, I have a stock of 1 year licenses for Norton Security Platinum.
Apparently Norton is changing its line of product, making the Platinum version EOL and pushing 360 Deluxe.
So, Norton is offering me to upgrade for free during the remaining subscription. But to be honest, the 'upgrade' turns out to be a downgrade:
Lesser installs on devices (from 10 to 5)
No more 100GB Backup: Only 50GB (Deluxe) or 75GB for the most expensive Premium
a new subscription is about three times more expensive, with my number of installs this also means having to buy 2 subscriptions.
And...I cannot reuse my still unused licences for Norton Platinum.
Being not fully unknown to commercial product marketing...Does Norton really think I would even consider this offer?
So Norton, what's up? Are you really desperate to loose a client? And what if I decide to redeem my Platinum licesnse through time: Are you going to cripple the product to persuade me to move on?
Apparently shopping around internationally gives some options.
But you do have to watch out for geo locking if you are purchasing from a different marketing region than where you are actually located. As an example, if you tried to purchase from the US while you are in Europe, the license you purchased may not activate while you are in Europe.
I take the pricing from where it’s the best offer. Apparently shopping around internationally gives some options. Also I was able to buy some licenses through a sale, so I paid €15 for each Platinum license. Fully boxed and valid.
So you can imagine having to pay €119 in the future is quite a steep rise.
But I simply hate these extreme business models… Once you’re in the leaching starts. I am an IT GUY and capable enough to switch all installations through RDP. So moving away is not a problem. But I would expect some more reward for being a client for so many years, instead of punishment.
What country's Norton web site are you getting your pricing from?
BTW. My 360 Premium subscription does only have 75GB online storage. Not an issue for me, but I can see it being an issue if you have been using that capacity.
From the perpective that I need to call Customer service to get something done
I cant even get in to see my Doctor these days without having to do a telephone consult first much less find toilet paper in its original configuration and what I do run across is smaller and twice the price....
That specific business model is really terrible. From the perpective that I need to call Customer service to get something done and once I'm "in" the business model really takes off.
Since there are very simple tricks around that and be that "new customer" again...Looks like they are hoping for the foollish to keep their business running. The automatic renewal is also one of the tools used for that and beware: From a European GDPR perspective the OPT OUT is not compliant.
If your original product had 100GB storage and the product upgrade received was less, call Norton Support and point out this discrepancy. I'd be surprised if they did not adjust or compensate you in some form.
And compare the price: Paid €40 for Platinum and renewal of 360 Premium (for exactly the same features , or in case of backup quota... Less) is a whopping €119 No thank you.
The price I cited was in USD. Also, keep in mind that when you initially purchase a Norton Product from their online store, you are afforded a discounted price as a new customer. The renewal is listed above the quoted price and also disclosed during the purchase process before check out.
If you purchased your product from a retail store, the price you paid was the retailers offered price. For instance, I can find N360 Premium I for $29.99 USD at local retail store but when it comes time to renew and I opt to use Norton Renewal, I would be charged $119.99 USD.
And compare the price: Paid €40 for Platinum and renewal of 360 Premium (for exactly the same features
, or in case of backup quota… Less) is a whopping €119
So even with the options to keep my existing subscription, the new products will still be lacking the current 100GB free Backup space and so on...
No, as Peterweb stated, you should not loose any of the features of your older Norton Security Product.
You should receive an upgrade for Norton 360 Premium I, which comes with 10 Licenses and 100GB Storage with an annual renewal of $119.99 through Norton. If not, all you have to do is contact Norton Support and they will correct it for you.
Thanks, that answers a part. But not all. Still remains a clear fact that Norton is (every time during the past years) breaking up it's products and requiring additional fees for the parts that were taken out. True, they add services as well for that extra amount, but they are having a very 'unfriendly' commercial model.
So even with the options to keep my existing subscription, the new products will still be lacking the current 100GB free Backup space and so on...
If your current subscription currently covers 10 devices, the upgrade should still cover the same number of devices.
For the subscription pricing, be sure you are comparing just the 360 product pricing and not the 360 with Lifelock services included. The Lifelock does increase the price.
You still do not have to lose the licenses you have already. You can contact Norton Support and ask them to add the time from those new keys to your existing subscription. Then if you decide to take the upgrade, it would continue on for the full extended time on the current subscription.
