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From: mpd@anomaly.SBS.COM (Michael P. Deignan)
Newsgroups: comp.os.msdos.programmer
Subject: Re: software upgrades (was Re: Paying for Shareware)
Message-ID: <1991Mar27.231654.4687@anomaly.SBS.COM>
Date: 27 Mar 91 23:16:54 GMT
References: <48650@nigel.ee.udel.edu> <1991Mar25.175223.12305@batcomputer.tn.cornell.edu> <1991Mar26.024751.9792@qualcomm.com>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Small Business Systems, Inc., Esmond, RI  02917
Lines: 61

rdippold@cancun.qualcomm.com (Ron Dippold) writes:

>I don't fully understand it (chea, good software is a great idea), but
>corporate America just doesn't seem to buy it.  Borland makes more money
>this way.  One of my theories is that in the home market, where price would
>make a difference, they just pirate it as often no matter how much it costs.

This isn't entirely true.

The largest problem with shareware in Corporate America is that it isn't
marketed thru software companies like Egghead. An MIS manager, etc., wants
to be able to pick up the phone and say:

MIS Manager: "I want a spreadsheet program." 

Sales Droid: "okay, we have 123 here for $395."

MIS Manager: "I'll fax you a PO." <click>

---

With shareware, on the other hand, the MIS manager has to find a BBS it is on
(unlikely - real MIS managers don't use PC's with modems to call local
boards) and download it. He/she then has to "register" it, or whatever
nonsense is contained on the license agreement.

Real MIS managers deal with $60+K software licenses, they laugh when they 
see a $25 typing tutor.

---

Even assuming a peon under the MIS manager gets the shareware package, 
the MIS manager is now presented with:

Peon: "Boss, we need to register this $49.95 shareware word processor."
 (holds up diskette for boss to see.)

MIS Manager: "Why? You already have it right there."

---

Furthermore, sending a check in for shareware, etc., generally means having
the Accounting department cut a manual check for the shareware author,
instead of just having the shareware author invoice the firm and the check
gets cut with the rest of the vendor's bills once a week/month. This
situation causes a large amount of grief. Not too many shareware authors
accept PO's and send out invoices.

---

I have on many occassions recommended shareware products, like Procomm,
to clients, and they have purchased them. However, it is generally easier
for them just to call Egghead and order the latest version of Smartcom,
and have it invoiced to their account.

MD
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