That's actually a really interesting point. In software, selling as a product usually means the customer pays once and never buys that product again. Selling as a service means something recurring like a subscription.

I think it's easy for software people to forget those aren't the only models.

Here's how I think of it: Cutting hair is a service. Teaching others how to cut hair is a service. But designing a system that teaches people to cut hair is a business - closer to a product.

Another point. We weren't given the numbers, but his training program was ultimately about selling products, anyway. I'd bet the products made much more money while he was sleeping than the time he spent teaching.