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From: jaynes@sequent.UUCP (Steve Jaynes)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac
Subject: Re: Upgrade Policies
Keywords: Upgrade
Message-ID: <20910@sequent.UUCP>
Date: 29 Aug 89 22:47:02 GMT
References: <11238@burdvax.PRC.Unisys.COM> <3986@csd4.csd.uwm.edu> <925@mrsvr.UUCP> <2878@ur-cc.UUCP>
Reply-To: jaynes@sequent.UUCP (Steve Jaynes)
Organization: Sequent Computer Systems, Inc
Lines: 25

Every possible combination of upgrade policy has prevaded computer-user
land since Babage needed new gears for his calculating machine.  However I
had the unsupressable urge to comment:

Books are a faily poor comparison, in that very few book owners have to
exchange data with fellow book owners, and expect their computations or
activities to continue to function correctly.  Business and professional
computer users do.  I might add, and do they must, irrespective of the make 
or size of the computer.

I would like all the publishers out there to listen up, for us professionals
who are now totally addicted to these keystoke mongers, to provide reliable
update subscription services for products which are dynamic.  If
significant enhancements are planned, then market the product that way, and
charge what the service is worth, and then deliver the value which has been
promised.  Example MS WORD Ver X.?.  If the product is static, then say so,
and offer the same deal.  Example: Reflex Plus.

Value is determined by Functionality, manual changes, etc.  

Additionally, as expensive as major programs are, (over $150.00 to $750.00
for one user) a year of free updates in not an unreasonable thing to expect.
Just send in your trusty software registration card and Voir la!

Presently off of soapbox and returning to serious Mac'ing.